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PARADISE LOST 



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A POEM 



IN TWELVE BOOKS. 



BY JOHN MILTON. 



NEW YORK: 
PUBLISHED BY CLARK, AUSTIN & CO. 

205 BROADWAY. 

1852. 



i 

PARADISE LOST. 



A POEM 



IN TWELVE BOOKS. 



BY JOHN MILTON. 



NEW YORK : 
PUBLISHED BY CLARK, AUSTIN & CO. 

205 BROADWAY. 

1852. 



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THB 

LIFE OF TOHN Ma.TON. 



From a family and to-wn of his name in Oxford- 
shire, our author derived his descent ; but he was 
born at London, in the year 1 608. His father, John 
Milton, by profession a scrivener, lived in a reputa- 
ble manner on a competent estate, entirely his own 
acquisition, having been early disinherited by his 
parents in renouncing the communion of the church 
of Rome, to which they were zealously devoted. 

Our author was the favourite of his father's hopes, 
who, to cultivate the great genius which early dis- 
played itself, was at the expense of a domestic tutor ; 
whose care and capacity his pupil hath gratefully 
celebrated in an excellent Latin elegy. At his initia- 
tion he is said to have applied himself to letters with 
such indefatigable industry, that he rarely was pre- 
vailed upon to quit his studies before midnight • 
which not only made him frequently subject to severe 
pains in his head, but likewise occasioned that weak- 
ness in his eyes, which terminated in a total priva- 
tion of pight. From a domestic education he was 
removed to St. Paul's School, to complete his ac- 
quaintance with the classics, under the care of Dr. 
CJill ; and after a short stay there, was transplanted 
lo Christ College in Cambridge, where he distin 



b THE LIFE OP 

guished himself in all kinds of academical exerciser 
Of this society he continued a member till lie com- 
menced Master of Arts : and then, leaving the uni- 
versity he returned to his father, who had quitted 
the town and lived at Horton in Buckinghamshire, 
where he pursi>ed his studies with unparalleled assi- 
duity and success. 

After some years spent in this studious retirement, 
his mother died, and then he prevailed with his 
father to gratify an inclination he had long entertain- 
ed of seeing foreign countries. Sir Henry Wotton, 
at that time provost of Eton College, gave him a letter 
of advice for the direction of his travels. Having 
employed his curiosity about tv/o years in France 
and Italy, on the news of a civil war breaking out in 
England, he returned, without taking a survey o! 
Grreece and Sicily, as at his setting out the scheme 
e/as projected. At Paris the Lord Viscount Scuda- 
more, ambassador from King Charles I. at the court 
of France, introduced him to the acquaintance of 
Grolius, who at that time was honoured with the 
same character there by Christiana, Glueen of Swe- 
den. In Rome, Genoa, Florence, and other cities oi 
Italy, he contracted a familiarity with those who 
were of highest reputation for wit and learning, 
several of whom gave him very obliging testimonies 
of their friendship and esteem. 

Returning from his travels, he found England on 
the point of being involved in blood and confusion. 
He retired to lodgings provided for Kiim in the city; 
which being commodious for the reception of his 
sister's sons, and some other young gentlemen, he 
undertook their education. 

In tliis philosophical course he continued, without 
a wife, till the year 1643. when he married Mary, 



JOHN MILTON. 7 

the daughter of Richard Powel, of Forrcst-liill in Ox- 
fordshire, a gentleman of estate aud reputation in 
that county, and of principles so very opposite to 
his son-in-law, that the marriage is more to be won- 
dered at, than the separation which ensued, in little 
aiore tiian a month after she had cohabited with him 
in London. Her desertion provoked him both to 
write several treatises concerning the doctrine and 
discipline of divorce, and also to pay his addresses 
to a young lady of great wit and beauty ; but before 
he had engeiged her affections to conclude the mar- • 
riage treaty, in a visit to one of his relations, he 
found his wife prostrate before him, imploring for- 
giveness and reconciliation. It is not to be doubted 
but an interview of that nature, so little expected, 
must wonderfully affect him ; and, perhaps, the im- 
pressions it made on his imagination, contributed, 
much to the painting of that pathetic scene in Para- 
dise Lost,* iu which Eve addresseth herself to Adam 
for paidon and peace. At the intercession of his 
friends, who were present, after a short reluctance, 
he generously sacrificed all his resentment to her 
tears 

Soon his heart relented 



Towards her, his life so late and sole delight, 
Now at his feet submissive in distress." 

And after this re- union, so far was he from retaining 
any unkind memory of the provocations which he 
Uixd received from her ill conduct, that when the 
king's cause Avas entirely suppressed, and her father 
who had been active in his loyalty, was exposed to 
sequestrations, Milton received both him and hia 
family to protection, and free entertainment, in hia 
own house, till their affairs were accommodated by 
tis interest in the victorious faction. 

* Book X. 



8 THE LIFE OF 

A. commission to constitute him Adjutant General 
to Sir "William Waller, was promised, but soon 
superseded, by Waller's being laid aside, when his 
masters thought it proper to new-model their army. 
However, the keenness of his pen had so effectually 
recommended hmi to Cromwell's esteem, that when 
he took the reins of government into his own hands, 
he advar'^ed him to be Latin Secretary, both to him 
self and the Parliament ; the former of these prefer- 
ments he enjoyed both under the usurper and his 
• son, the other until King Charles II. was restored. 
For some time he had an apartment for his family at 
Whitehall ; but his health requiring a freer accession 
of air, he was obliged to remove thence to lodgings 
which opened into St. James' Park. Not long after 
his settlement thei-e his wife died in child-bed, and 
much about, the time of her death, a gutta serena, 
which had for several years been gradually increas- 
mg, totally extinguished his sight. In this melan- 
choly condition, he was easily prevailed with to think 
of taking another wife, who was Catharine, the 
daughter of Captain Woodcock, of Hackney ; and 
she too, in less than a year after their marriage, died 
m the same unfortunate manner as the former had 
done ; and in his twenty-third sonnet he does honour 
to her memory. 

Being a second time a widower, he employed his 
frier.d Dr. Paget to make choice of a third consort, 
on whose recommendation he married Elizabeth, the 
daughter of Mr. Minshul, a Cheshire gentleman, by 
whom he had no issue. Three daughters, by his 
first wife, were then living ; the two elder of whom 
are said to have been very serviceable to him in his 
studies : for having been instructed to pronounce not 
only the modern, but also the Latin, Greek, and He- 
brew languages, they read in their respective ori- 



JOHN MILTON. 'J 

ginals, whatever authors he wanied to consult, though 
tliey understood none but their mother-tongue. 

We come now to take a survey of him in that 
point of view, in which he will be looked upon by all 
succeeding ages with equal delight and admiration. 
An interval of about twenty years had elapsed smce 
he wrote the Mask of Comus, L'AUegi'o, 11 Pensn- 
roso, and Lycidas, all in such an exquisite stram, 
that, though he had left no other monuments of his 
genius behind him, his name had been immortal ; 
but neither the infirmities of age and constitution, 
nor the vicissitudes of fortune, could depress tlie 
vigour of his mind, or divert it from executmg a 
design he had long conceived of writing a heroic 
poem.* The fall of man was a subject that he had 
some years before fixed on for a tragedy, which he 
intended to form by the models of antiquity ; and 
some, not without probability, say, the play opened 
with that speech in the fourth book of Paradise Last^ 
line 32, which is addressed by Satan to the sun. 
Were it material, I believe I could produce other 
passages, which more plainly appear to have been 
originally intended for the scene : but whatever truth 
there may be in this report, it is certain that he did 
not begin to mould his subject, in the form which it 
bears nov/, before he had concluded his controversy 
with Salnftisius and More, when he had wholly lost 
tlie use of his eyes, and was forced to employ, in the 
office of an amanuensis, any friend who accidentally 
paid him a visit. Yet, under all these discourage- 
ments and various interruptions, in the year 1 669 he 
pubUshed his Paradise Lost, the noblest poem (next 
to those of Homer and Virgil) that ever the wit ol 
man produced in any age or nation. Need I mention 
any other evidence of its inestimable worth, than that 
the finest geniuses who have succeeded him have 
* Faradise Lost Book IX, line 26, 



10 THE LIVE OP 

ever esteemed it a merit to relish and illustrate its 
beauties ? 

And now perhaps it may pass for a fiction, what 
■with great veracity I affirm to be fact, that Milton, 
after naving with much difficulty prevailed to have 
this divine poem licensed for the press, could sell the 
copy for no more than fifteen pounds ; the payment 
of which valuable consideration, depended upon the 
sale of three numerous impressions. So unreasona- 
bly may personal prejudice affect the most excellent 
performances! 

About two years after, he published Paradise Rt 
gained; but Oh! what a falling off was there! — of 
which I will say no more, than that there is scahiely 
a more remarKaoie mstance of the frailty of human 
reason, than our author gave in preferring this poem 
to Paradise Lost. 

And thus having attended him to the sixty-ninth 
year of his age, as closely as such imperfect lights 
as men of letters and retirement usually leave to 
guide our inquiry, would allow, it now only remains 
to be recorded, that in the year 1674, the gout put a 
period to his life, at Bunhill, near London ; from 
whence his body was conveyed to St. Giles' Church, 
by Cripplegate, where it lies interred in tfie chancel ; 
and a neat monument has lately been erected to per- 
petuate his memory. 

In his youth he is said to have been extremely 
handsome. The colour of his hair was a light brown, 
the symmetry of his features exact, enlivened with 
an agreeable air, and a beautiful mixture of fair and 
ruddy. His stature (as we find it measured by him- 
self) did not exceed the middle size, his person nei- 
ther too lean nor corpulent ; his limbs well propor- 



JOHN MILTON. 11 

tioned, nervous, and active, serviceable in all respects 
to his exercising the sword, in which he much de- 
lighted ; and wanted neither skill nor courage to re- 
sent an affront from men of the most athletic constitu- 
tions. In his diet he was abstemious; not delicate in the 
choice of his dishes ; and strong liquors of all kinds 
were his aversion. His deportment was erect, open, 
affable ; his conversation easy, cheerful, instructive . 
his wit on all occasions Wcommand, facetious, grave, 
or satirical, as the subject required. His judgment, 
when disengaged from religion and political specula- 
tions was just and penetrating, his apprehension 
quick, his memory tenacious of what he read, his 
reading oniy not so extensive as his genius, for that 
was universal. And having treasured up such an 
nnmensc store of science, perhaps the faculties of his 
soul gi-ew more vigorous after he was deprived of 
sight; and his imagination (naturally sublime and 
enlarged by reading romances, of which he was much 
enamoured in his youth) when it was Avholly ab- 
stracted from material objects, was more at liberty to 
make such amazing excursions into the ideal world, 
when, in composing his divine work, he was tempted 
to range 

"Beyond the visible diurnal sphere." 

With so many accomplishments, not to have had 
5ome faults and misfortunes to be laid in the balance 
with the *ame and felicity of writing Paradise Lost^ 
Tffovdd have been too great a portion for humanity. 

ELIJAH FENTON 



1 ifjv.b 51; 



ON 

PARADISE LOST. 



WuEN 1 beheld the Poet blind, yet bold. 
In slender book his vast design unfold ; 
Messiah crown'd, God's reconciPd decree, 
Rebelling angels, the forbidden tree, 
Heaven, hell, earth, chaos, all ! the argument 
Held me a while misdoubting his intent , 
That he would ruin (for I saw him strong) 
The sacred truths to fable, and old song ; 
So Samson grop'd tne temple's post in spite, 
The world o'er whelming, to revenge his sight. 

Yet, as I read, soon growing less severe, 
I lik'd his project, the success did fear ; 
Through that wide field how he his way should find, 
O'er which lame faith leads understanding blind 
Lest he perplex'd the things he would explain, 
And what was easy he should render vam. 

Or, if a work so infinite he spann'd, 
Jealous I was that some less skilful hancj 
(Such as disquiet always what is well, 
And by ill unitating would excel) 
Might hence presume the whole creation's day 
To change in scenes, and show it in a play. 

Pardon me, mighty Poet, nor despise. 
My causeless, yet not impious surmise. 
But I am now convinc'd, and none will dare 
"Within thy labours to pretend a share. 
Thou hast not miss'd one tliought that could be fit, 
And all that was improper dost omit; 
So that no room is here for writers left. 
But to detect their ignorance, or theft. 



14 

That majesty which through tliy work doth reign, 
Draws the devout, deterring the profane : 
And tilings divine thou treat'st of in such state, 
As them preserves, and thee, inviolate. 
At once delight and horror on us seize, 
Thou sing'st with so much gravity and ease j 
And above human flight dost soar aloft. 
With plume so strong, so equal and so soft; 
The bird nam'd from that Paradise you sing 
So never flags, but always keeps on wing. 

Where couldst thou words of such a compass find 1 
Whence furnish such a vast expanse of mind ? 
Just heaven thee, like Tiresias, to requite, 
Rewards with prophecy thy loss of sight. 

Well mio;ht'st thou scorn thy readei-s to allure 
With tinkling rhyme, of thy own sense secure ; 
While the Town-bays writes all the while and spells, 
And, like a pack-horse, tires without his bells: 
Their fancies like our bushy points appear, 
The poets tag them, we for fashion wear. 
I, too, transported by the mode, commend, 
And while I mean to praise thee must offend. 
Thy verse created like thy theme sublime, 
[n number, weight, and measure, needs not rhyme. 

ANDREW MARVEIJL 



PARADISE LOST. 



BOOK I. 



THE ARGUMENT. 

This first book proposes first, in brief, the xchole subject^ 
mail's disobedience, and the loss thereupon of Para- 
dise, loherein he toas placed. Then touches the 
prime cause of his fall, the serpent, or rather Satan 
in the serpent ; who revolting from God, and draw 
ing to his side many legions of angels, was, by the 
command of God, driven out of heaven with all his 
creio into the great deep. Which action passed over, 
the poem hastes into the midst of things, presenting 
Satan with his angels now fallen into hell, described 
here, not in the centre (for heaven and earth may be 
supposed as yet not made, certainly not yet accursed) 
but in a place of utter darkness fitliest called Chaos : 
Here Satan, icith his angels, lying on the burning 
lake, thunder'Struck and astonished, after a certain 
space recovers, as from confusion, calls up him who 
next in order and dignity lay by him; they confer of 
their miserable fall. Satan awakeiis all hia legions, 
who lay till then in the same manner confounded ; 
they rise ; their numbers, array of battle, their chief 
leaders named accm-ding to the idols hmon after- 
wards in Canaan, and tlie countries adjoining. To 
these Satan directs his speech, comforts them with 
hope yet of regaining heaven ; but tells them lastly 
of a neio world, and new kind of creature to be crea~ 
ted, according to an ancient prophecy or report in 
heaven; {for that angels were long before this visible 
creation, was' the opinion of many ancient fathers.) 
To find out the truth of this prophecy, and what to 
determine thereon, he refers to a full council. What 
his associates thence attempt. Pandemonium, the 
palace of Satan, rises, suddenly built out of the deep ; 
the infernal peers there sit in council. 



Ifi PARADISE LOST. [Hook I 

OF man's first disobedience, and the faiit 

Of that forbidden tree, whose mortal taste 

Brought death into the world, and all our wo, 

With loss of Eden, till one greater Man 

Restore us, and regain the blissful seat, 5 

Sing heavenly Muse ! that on the secret top 

Of Oreb, or of Sinai, didst inspire 

That shepherd, who first taught the chosen seed, 

In the beginning how the heavens and earth 

Rose out of Chaos. OrifSionhill 10 

Delight thee more, and Siloa's brook that flow'd 

Fast by the oracle of God ; I thence 

Invoke thy aid to my advent'rous song. 

That with no middle flight intends to soar 

Above th' Aonian mount, while it pursues 15 

Things unattcmpted yet in prose or rhyme. 

And chiefly thou, O spirit that dost prefer 
Before all temples th' upright heart and pure, 
Instruct me, for thou know'st; thou from the first 
Wast present, and, with mighty wings outspread, 20 
Dove-hke sat'st brooding on the vast abyss, 
And mad'st it pregnant : what in me is dark. 
Illumine ! what is low, raise and support ! 
That to the height of this great argument 
[ may assert eternal Providence, 25 

And justify the ways of God to men. 

Say first, (for heaven hides nothing from thy view^ 
Nor the deep tract of hell,) say first what cause 
Mov'd our grand parents, in that happy state 
Favour'd of Heaven so highly, to fall off 30 

From their Creator, and transgress his will. 
For one restraint, lords of the world besides? 
Who first seduc'd' them to that foul revolt ? 
Th' infernal serpent, he it was, whose guile, 
Stirr'd up with envy and revenue, deceiv'd 35 

The mother of mankind, what time bis pride 
Had cast him out from heaven, with. all his host 
Of rebel angels ; by whose aid aspiring 
To set himself in glory 'bove his peers. 
He trusted to have equall'd the Most High, 40 

If he opposed : and wiih ambitious aim 
Aga'.nst the throne and monarchy of God 
2.aig .i imjuous war in heaven, and battle pronti. 



Book 1.] PARADISE LOST. 17 

With vain attempt. Him the Almighty power 

Hurl'd headlong flaming from th' ethereal sky, 45 

With hideous ruin and combustion, down 

To bottomless perdition, there to dwell 

In adamantine chains and penal fire, 

Who durst defy th' Omnipotent to arms. 

Nine times the space that measures day an J night 

To mortal men, he with his horrid crew 50 

Lay vanquish'd rolHng in the fiery gulf, 

Confounded though immortal ! But bis doom 

Reserv'd him to more wrath : for now the. thought 

Both of lost happiness, and lasting pain, 55 

Torments him. Round he throws his baleful eyes, 

That witness'd huge affliction and dismay, 

Mix'd with obdurate pride, and steadfast' hate, 

At once, as far as angels' ken, he views 

The dismal situation waste and wild : 60 

A. dungeon horrible, on all sides round. 

As one great furnace, flam'd : yet from those flames 

No light, but rather darkness visible, 

Serv'd only to discover sights of wo, 

Regions of sorrow ! doleful shades ! where peace 6;» 

And rest can never dwell ! hope never comes, 

That comes to all : but torture without end 

Still urges, and a fiery deluge, fed 

With ever-burning sulphur unconsum'd ! 

Such place eternal justice had prepar'd 70 

For those rebellious ; here their prison ordain'd. 

In utter darkness ; and their portion set 

As far removed from God, and light of heaven, 

As from the centre thrice to th' utmost pole. 

O how unlike the place from which they fell ! 75 

There the companions of his fall, o'erwhelm'd 

With floods and whirlwinds of tempestuous fire, 

He soon discerns : and welt'ring by his side 

One next himself in power, and next in crime, 

Long after known in Palestine, and nam'd SC 

Beelzebub : To whom the arch-enemy, 

(And thence in heaven called Satan,) with bold words. 

Breaking the horrid silence thus began: 

" If thou beest he — But O hov;- fall'n ! how ciiang'd 

From him, who in the happy realms of light 65 

Cloth'd with transcendant brightness, didst outshine 

Myriads though bright ! If he, whom mutual league, 

9* 



■f8 PARADISE LOST. [Book 

United thoughts a.:<l counsels, equal hop-?, 

And hazard in the glorious enterprise, 

Join'd with me once, now misery hath join'd GO 

In equal ruin! Into what pit thou secst, 

From what height fallen ; so much the stronger prov'd 

He with his thunder ! and till then who knew 

The force of those dire arms ? Yet not for those, 

Nor what the potent Victor in his rage 95 

Can else inflict, do I repent or change 

(Thougii chang'd in outward lustre) that fix'd mind. 

And high disdain from sense of injur'd merit, 

That with the Mightiest rais'd me to contend : 

And to the fierce contention brought along 100 

Innumerable force of spirits arm'd, 

That durst dislike his reign : and me preferring 

His utmost power with adverse power oppos'd, 

In dubious battle on the plains of heaven. 

And shook his throne. What though the field be lost / 

All is not lost ; the unconquerable will, 103 

And study of revenge, immortal hate. 

And courage never to submit or yield ; 

(And what is else not to be overcome?) 

That glory never shall his v/rath or migl^t i 1 

Extort from me, to bow and sue for grace 

With suppliant knee, and deify his power, 

Who from the terror of his arm so late 

Doubted his empire. That were low indeed ! 

That were an ignominy and shame beneath 1 1.5 

This downfall! since (by fote) the strength of gods, 

And this empyreal substance cannot fail ; 

Since through experience of this great event, 

(In arms not worse, in foresight much advanc'd,) 

We may, with more successful hope, resolve 1 2\) 

To wage by force or guile eternal war, 

Irreconcileable to our grand foe. 

Who now triumphs, and in th' excess of joy 

Sole reigning, holds the tyranny of heaven." 

So spake the apostate angel, though in pain ; 125 
Vauntmg aloud, but rack'd with deep despair: 
And him thus answer'd soon his bold compeer : 

" O Prince ! O chief of many throned powers, 
That led th' embattled seraphim to was 
(Jnder thy conduct ! and iii dreadful deeds ^'?0 



Book I.] PARADISE LOST 10 

Fearless, eudangier'd heaven's perpetual King 

A.nd put to proof his high supremacy : 

Whether upheld by strengtl^ or cheuice, or fate. 

Too well I see and rue the dire event, 

Tliat with sad overthrow and foul defeat, 135 

Hath lost us heaven : and all this mighty host 

[n horrible destruction laid thus low, 

As far as gods, and heavenly essences. 

Can perish : for the mind and spirit remains 

(n vincible, and vigor soon returns, 140 

Though all our glory extinct, and happy state, 

Here swallow'd up m endless misery ! 

But what if he our conqueror (whom I now 

Of force believe Ahnighty, since no less 

Than such could have o'erpower'd such force as ours) 

Have left us this our spirit and strength entire, 146 

Strongly to suffer and support our pains j 

That we may so suffice his vengeful ire, 

Or do him mightier service, as his thralls 

By right of war, whate'er his business be, 150 

Here in the heart of hell to work in fire, 

Or do his errands in the gloomy deep ? 

What can it then avail, though yet Ave feel 

Strength undiminish'd, or eternal being, 

To undergo eternal punishment?" 155 

Whereto with speedy words th' arch-fiend replied : 

" Fallen Cherub ! to be weak is miserable, 
Doing or suflfering : but of this be sure. 
To do ought good never will be our task ; 
But ever to do ill our sole delight : 160 

As being the contrary to liis high will 
Whom we resist. If then his providence 
Out of our evil seek to bring forth good, 
Our laboiu- must be to pervert that end, 
And out of good still to find means of evil : 165 

Which oft-times may succeed, so as perhaps 
Shall grieve nim, if I fail not, and disturb 
His inmost counsels from tlieir destin'd aim. 
But see ! the angry Victor hath recall'd 
His ministers of vengeance and pursuit, 170 

Back to the gates of heaven : the sulph'rous hail 
Shot after us in storm, o'er-blown, hath laid 
The fiery surge, that from tlie precipice 
Of heaven received us falling: and the thunder, 



20 PARADISE LOST. [Beok 1 

Wing'd with red lightning and impetuous rage, 175 

Perha}DS hath spent his shafts, and ceases now 

To bellow through the vast and boundless deep. 

Let us not slip th' occasion, whether scorn, 

Or satiate fury, yield it from our foe. 

Seest thou yon dreary plain, forlorn and wild, J 80 

The seat of desolation, void of light, 

Save what the glimmering of these livid flames 

Casts pale and dreadful ? thither let us tend 

From off the tossing of these fiery waves; 

There rest, if any rest can harbour there : 185 

And re- assembling our afflicted powers, 

Consult hov/ we may henceforth most offend 

Our enemy ; our own loss how repair ; 

How overcome this dire calamity ; 

What reinforcement v/e may gam from hope ; ISO 

If not, what resolution from despair." 

Thus Satan talking to his nearest mate, 
With head uplift above the wave, and eyes 
That sparkling blaz'd ; his other parts besides 
Prone on the flqod, extended long and large, 195 

Lay floating many a rood : in bulk as huge, 
As whom the fables name, of monstrous size, 
Titanian, or Earth-born, that warr'd on Jove, 
Briareus, or Typhon, whom the den 
By ancient Tarsus held ; or that sea-beast 200 

Leviathan, which God of all his works 
Created hugcst that swim th' ocean stream : 
(Him, haply slumb'ring on the Norway foam. 
The pilot of some small night- founder'd skiff, 
Deeming some island, oft, as seamen tell, 205 

With fixed anchor in his scaly rind, 
Moors by his side under the lee, while night 
Invests the sea, and wished morn delays.) 
So stretch'd out huge in lengtli the arch-fiend lay, 
Chain'd on the burning lake : nor ever thence 210 
Had risen, or heav'd his head, but that the will 
And high permission of all-ruling Heaven, 
Left him at large to his own dark designs : 
That with reiterated crimes he might 
Heap on himself damnation, Avhile he sought 215 
Evil to others ; and enrag'd might see. 
How all his malice serv'd but to bring forth 
Infinite goodness, grace, and mercy shown 



Book L] PARADISE LOST. ^t 

On man by him seduc'd ; but on himself 

Treble confusion, wrath, and vengeance pour 1. 22V 

Forthwith upright he rears from ofFtiie pool 

His mighty stature ; on each hand the names 

Driven oack ward slope their pointing spires, and roll'd 

In billows, leave i' th' midst a horrid vale. 

Then with expanded wings he steers his flight 225 

Aloft, incumbent on the dusky air, 

That felt unusual weight: till on dry land 

He lights, if it were land that ever burn'd 

With solid, as the lake with liquid fire : 

And such appear'd in hue, as w^hen the force 230 

Of subterranean wind transports a hill 

Torn from Pelorus, or the shatter'd side 

Of thund'ring ^tna, whose combustible 

And fuel'd entrails thence conceiving fire, 

Sublim'd with mineral fury, aid the winds, 23c 

And leave a singed bottom all involv'd 

With stench and smoke ; such resting found the sole 

Of unbless'd feet ! Him follow'd his next mate, 

Both glorying to have 'scap'd the Stygian flood. 

As gods, and by their own recover'd strength ; 240 

Not by the suff 'ranee of supernal power. 

" Is this the region, this the soil, the clime," 
Said then the lost archangel, " this the seat. 
That we must change for heaven ? this mournful gloom 
For that celestial U^hi ? be it so ! since he 245 

Who now is sovereign can dispose, and bid 
What shall be right : farthest from him is best, 
"Whom reason hath equall'd, force hath made supreme 
Above his equals. Farewell, happy fields. 
Where joy for ever dwells ! hail, horrors ! hail, 250 
Infernal world ! and thou profoundest hell 
Receive thy new possessor ! One, who brings 
A mind not to be chang'd by place or time. 
The mind is its own place, and in itself '- ' 

Can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven. 855 
What matter where, if I be still the same, 
And what I should be, all but less than he 
Whom thunder hath made greater ? Here at least 
We shall be free; th' Almighty hath not built 
Here for his envy ; will not drive us hence : 2G0 

Here we may reign se<Aire ; and in my choice 
To reign is v/orth ambition, though in hell ; 



3S PARADISE LOST. [Book 2, 

Better to reign in hell, than serve in heaven ! 
But wherefore let we then our faithful friends, 
Th' associates and copartners of our loss, 2fi5 

Lie thus astonish'd on th' oblivious pool, 
And call tliem not to share with us their part 
In this unhappy mansion : or once more 
With rallied arms to try, what may be yet 
Regain'd in heaven, or what more lost in hell?" 270 

So Satan spake, and him Beelzebub 
Thus answer'd : " Leader of those amiies bright, 
Which but th' Omnipotent none could have foil'd ! 
If once they hear that voice, their liveliest pledge ] 
Of hope in fears and dangers, heard so oft 275 

In worst extremes, and on the perilous edge 
Of battle when it rag'd, in all assaults 
Their surest signal, they will soon resvime 
New courage, and revive, though now they lie 
Grov'ling and prostrate on yon lake of fire, 280 

(As we erewhile,) astounded and amaz'd ; 
No wonder, fallen such a pernicious height !" 

iJe scarce had ceas'd, when the superior fiend 
Was moving toward the shore ; his pond'rous shield, 
Etherial temper, massy, large, and round, 285 

Behind him cast ; the broad circumference 
Hung on his shoulders like the moon, whose orb 
Through optic glass the Tuscan artist views 
At ev'ning from the top of Fesole, 
Or in Valdarno, to descry new lands, 290 

Rivers, or mountains, on her spotty globe. 
His spear, (to equal which tlie tallest pine 
He^vn on Norwegian hills, to be the mast 
Of some great admiral, were but a wand,) 
He walk'd with, to support uneasy steps 295 

Over the burning marie (not like those steps 
On heaven's azure ! ) and the torrid clime 
Smote on him sore besides, vaulted with fire. 
Nathless he so endur'd, till on the beach 
Of that inflamed sea he stood and call'd 300 

His legions, angel-forms, who lay entranc'd. 
Thick as autumnal leaves that strew the brooks 
In Vallombrosa, where th' Etrurian shades, 
High over-arch'd im bower ; or scattered sedge 
Afloat, when with fierce winds Orion ann'd 305 



Book L] PARADISE LOST. ^ 

Hath vcx'd the Red-Sea coast, whose wave's o'erthrew 

Busiris, and his Memphian chivalry, 

While with perfidious hatred they pursu'd 

The sojourners of Goshen, who heheld 

From the safe shore their floating carcasses, 310 

And broken chariot-wheels: so thick bestrewn, 

Abject and lost lay these, covering the flood, 

Under amazement of their hideous change. 

He call'd so loud, that all the hollow deep 

Of hell resounded: " Princes, Potentates, 315 

Warriors, the flower of heaven ! once yours, now lobt, 

If such astonishment as this can seize 

Eternal spirits : or have ye chosen this place 

After the toil of battle to repose 

Your wearied virtue, for the ease you find 320 

To slumber here, as in the vales of heaven 1 

Or in this abject posture have ye sworn 

T' adore the Conqueror 7 who now beholds 

Cherub and seraph roUing in the flood, 

With scatter'd arms and ensigns ; till anon 325 

His swift pursuers from heaven-gates discern 

Th' advantage, and descending tread us down 

Thus drooping ; or with linked thunderbolts 

Transfix us to the bottom of this gulf. 

Awake, arise, or be for ever fallen !" 330 

They heard, and were abash'd and up they sprung 
Upon the wing ; as when men wont to watch 
On duty, sleeping found by whom they dread, 
Rouse and bestir themselves ere well awake. 
Nor did they not perceive the evil plight 335 

In which they were, or the fierce pains not feel ; 
Yet to their general's voice they soon obey'd, 
Innumerable ! As when the potent rod 
Of Amram's son, in Egypt's evil day, 
Wav'd round tlie coast, up call'd a pitchy cloud 340 
Of locusts, warping on the eastern wind. 
That o'er the realm of impious Pharaoh huns 
Like night, and darken'd all the land of Nile : 
So numberless were those bad angels, seen 
Hov'ring on wing under the cope of hell, 345 

'Twixt upper, nether, and surrounding firee 
Till, as a signal given, th' uplifted spear 
Of their great sultan waving to direct 



24 PARADISE LOST. [Book I 

Their course, in even balance down thev light 

On the firm brimst.ore. and fill all the plain : 350 

A multitude, like which the populous nortli 

Pour'd never from her frozen loins, to pass 

Rhine or the Danaw, when her barbarous sons 

Capie liko a deluge on the south, and spread 

Beneath Gibraltar to the Libyan sands. 355 

Forthwith from every squadron, and each band, 

The heads and leaders thither haste where stood 

Their g;reat commander ; godlike shapes and forms 

Excelling human, pnncely dignities, 

And powers ! that erst in heaven sat on thrones ; 

Though of their names in heavenly records now 361 

Be no'niemorial ; blotted out and raz'd, 

By tlieir rebellion, from the books of life. 

Nor had they yet among the sons of Eve 364 

Got them new names ; till WLmd'ring o'er the earth, 

Through God's high sufferance for the trial of man, 

By falsities and lies the greatest part 

Of mankind they corrupted, to forsake 

God their Creator, and ih' invisible 

Glory of him that made them, to transform 370 

Oft to the ima^e of a brute, adorn'd 

With gay religions full of pomp and gold, 

And devils to adore for deities : 

Then were they known to men by various names. 

And various idols through the heathen vi^orld. 375 

Say, Muse, their names then known ; who firsts 
who last, 
Rous'a from the slumber, on that fiery couch, 
A I; eir creat emperor's call as next in worth 
Caof. smg.y where he stood, on the bare strand, 
While the promiscuf^us crowd stood yet aloof? 3S0 
The chief were those who, from the pit of hell 
Roaming to seek their prey on earth, durst fix 
Their seats long after next the seat of God, 
Their altars by his altar, gods ador'd 
\mong the nations round, and durst abide 385 

Jehovah tliund'ring out of Sion, thron'd 
Between the cherubim ; yea, often plac'd 
Within his sanctuary itself their shrines, 
Abominations ! and with cursed things 
His holy rites and solemn feasts profan'd, 390 

And with tlieir darkness durst affront his light 



BoaklA PARADISE LOST. 2.* 

*» 

First Moloch, horrid king, besmear'd "witfi blood 
Of human sacrifice, and parents' tears ; 
Though, for the noise of drums and timbrels loud. 
Their children's cries unheard, that pass'd thro' fire 
To nis grim idol. Hira the Ammonite 396 

VVorshipp'd in Rabba, and her watery plain 
[n Argob, and in Basan, to the stream 
Of utmost Arnon. Nor content with such 
Audacious neighbourhood, the wisest heart 4(H) 

Of Solomon he led by fraud, to build 
His temple right against tlie temple of God, 
On the opprobrious hill ; and made liis grove 
The pleasant valley of Hinnom, Tophet thence 
And black Gehenna called, the type of hell. 406 

iS^ext Chemos, th' obscene dread of Moab's sons, 
From Aroar to Nebo, and the wild 
Of southmost Abarim ; in Hescbon 
And Horonaim, Seon's realm, beyond 
The flowery dale of Sibma, clad with vines ; 410 
And Eleale to th' Asphaltic pool : 
Peor his other name, when he entic'd 
[srael in Sittim, on their march from Nile, 
To do liim wanton rites, v/hich cost them wo. 
Yet thence his ktstful orgies he enlarg'tl 415 

£ven to that hill of scandal, by the gi-ove 
Of Moloch homicide ; lust hard by hate ; 
Till good Josiah drove them thence to hell 
V/ith these came they, who from the bord'ring flood 
Of old Euplirates, to the brook that parts 420 

Egypt from Syrian ground, had general names 
Of Baalim, and Ashtaroth ; those male, 
Tl-ese feminine : (For spirits when they please 
Can either sex assume, or both ; so soft 
And uncompounded is their essence pure ; 425 

Not tied or manacled with joint or limb, , 
Nor founded on the brittle strength of bones, 
Like cumbrous flesh ; but in what shape they choose^ 
Dilated or condens'd, bright or obscure 
Can execute their airy purposes, 430 

And works of love or enmity fulfil.) 
For those the race of Israel oft forsook 
Their living strength, and unfrequented left 
His righteous altar, bowing lowly doMm 
To bestial gods ; for which their heads as lov/ 435 
Bow'd down in liattle, sunk before the spear 
3 



2B PARADISE LOST [Book t. 

Of despicable foes. "With these in troop 

Came Astoreth, whom the Phenicians call'd 

Astarte, queen of heaven, with crescent horns 

fc whose bright image nightly by the moon, 440 

Sidonian virgins paid their vows and songs; 

in Sion also not unsung, where stood 

rier temple on th' offensive mountain, built 

By that uxorious king, whose heart, though large, 

Beguil'd by fair idolatresses, fell 445 

To idols fouL Thammuz came next behind, 

Whose annual wound in Lebanon allur'd 

The Syrian damsels, to lament his fate 

In am'rous ditties all a summer's day ; 

While smooth Adonis from his native rock 450 

Ran purple to the sea, supposed with blood 

Of Thammuz yearly wounded : the love-tale 

Infected Sion's' daughter^ with like heat ; 

"Whose wanton passions in the sacred porch 

Ezekiel saw, when, by the vision led, 455 

His eye survey'd the dark idolatries 

Of alienated J udah. Next came one 

Who mourn'd in earnest, when the captive ark 

Maim'd his brute image, head and bands lopp'd off 

In his ov/n temple, on the grunsel edge, 460 

Where he fell flat, and sham'd his woi'shippers ; 

Dagon his name ; sea monster ! upward man 

And downward fish : yet had his temple high 

Rear'd in Azotus, dreaded through the coast 

Of Palestine, in Gath, and Ascalon, 463 

And Accaron, and Gaza's frontier bounds. 

Him follow'd Rimmon, whose delightful seat 

"Was fair Damascus, on the fertile banks 

Of Abbana, and Pharphai*, lucid streams ! 

He also against the house of God was bold : 470 

A leper onqe he lost, and gain'd a king, 

Ahaz, his sottish conqueror, whom he drew 

God's altar to disparage, and disolace, 

For one of Syrian mode, wnereon to burn 

His odious o'fF'rmgs, and adore the gods 476 

Whom he had vanquish'd. After these appear'd 

A crew who under names of old renown, 

Osiris, Isis, Orus, and their train, 

With monstrous shapes and sorceries abusM 

Fanatic Egypt, and her priests, to seek 480 

Their wand'ring cods di'gciiis'ff in brutish forms. 



Bookl'] PARADISE LOST. 2"/ 

Rather than human. Nor did Israel 'scape ^ 

The infection, when their borrow'd gold compos d 
The calf in Oreb ; and the rebel king 
Doubled that sin in Bethel, and in Dan, 
Lik'uing his Maker to the grazed ox, 
Jehovah ! who in one night when he pass'd 
From Egypt marching, equall'd with one stroke 
Both her first-born and all her bleating gods. 
Belial came last, than whom a spirit more lewd 
Fell not f/om heaven, or more gross lO love 
Vice for itself : to him no temple stood, 
Or altar smok'd ; yet who more oft than he 
[n temples, and at altars, wken the priest 
Turns atheist, as did Eli's sons, who fiU'd 
With lust and violence the house of God? 
In courts and palaces he also reigns. 
And in luxurious cities, where the noise 
Of riot ascends above their loftiest towers, 
And injury and outrage: and when night 
Darkens the streets, then wander forth the sons 
Of Beliel, flown with insolence and wine 
Witness the streets of Sodom, and that night 
In Gibeah, when the hospitable door 
Expos'd a matron, to avoid worse rape. 

These were the prime, in order and in might ; 
The rest were long to tell, though far renown'd, 
Th' Ionian gods, of Javan's issue held 
Gods, yet confess d later than heaven and earth, 
Their boasted parents. Titan, (heaven's first born, 
With his enormous brood, and birthright seiz'd 
By younger Saturn: he from mightier Jove, 
(His own and Rhea's son.) like measure found 
So Jove ursurping reign'd ; these first in Crete 
And Ida known; thence on the snowy top 
Of cold Olympus rul'd the middle air, 
Their highest heaven; or on the Delphian cliffy 
Or in Dodona, and through all the bounds 
Of Doric land ; or who with Saturn old 
Fled over Adria to th' Hesperian fields. 
And o'er the Celtic roam'd the utm.ost isles. 

All these and more came flocking, but with looks 
Downcast and damp ; yet such wherein appear'd 
Obscure somo glimpse o^ joy to have found the.rchsi 



28 PARADISE LOST. [Book 1 

Not in despair, to have found themselves not lost 525 

In loss itself; which on his count'nance cast 

Like doubtful hue : but he his wonted pride 

Soon recollecting', with high words, that bore 

Semblance of worth, not substance, gently rais'd 

Their fainting courage, and dispell'd their fears. 530 

Then straight commands that at the warlike sound 

Of trump^s loud, and clarions, be uprear'd 

His mighty standard : that proud honour claim'd 

Az'azel as his right, a cherub tall ; 

Who forthwith from the glittering staff unfurl'd 535 

Th' imperial ensign ; which, full high advanc'd, 

Shone like a meteor streaming to the wind. 

With gems and golden lustre rich emblaz'd, 

Seraphic arms and trophies ; all the while 

Sonorous metal bloAving martial sounds ; 54U 

At which the universal host up sent 

A shout that tore hell's concave ; and beyond 

Frighted the reign of Chaos and old Night. 

All in a moment through the gloom were seen 

Ten thousand banners rise into the air, 545 

With orient colours waving : with them rose 

A forest huge of spears ; and thronging helm 

Appear'd, and serried shields in thick array, 

Of depth immeasurable : anon they move 

In perfect phalanx, to the Dorian mood 550 

Of flutes, and soft recorders ; such as rais'd 

To height of noblest temper heroes old 

Arming to battle; and instead of rage, 

Deliberate valour breath'd, firm, and unmov'd 

With dread of death to flight, or foal retreat ; 555 

Nor wanting power to mitigate and swage, 

With solemn touches, troubled thoughts, and chase 

Anguish, and doubt, and fear, and sorrow, and pain, 

From mortal or immortal minds. Thus they 

Breathing united force, with fixed thought 560 

Mov'd on in silence to soft pipes, that charm'd 

Their painful steps o'er the burnt soil : and now 

Advanc'd in viev/, they stand, a horrid front 

Of dreadful length, and dazzling arms, in guise 

Of warriors old with order'd spear and shield , 5C6 

Awaiting what command their mighty chief 

Had to impose : he through the armed files 

Darts his experienc'd eye, and soon traverse 

The whole battalion views, their order due. 



BookL] PARADISE LOST. 29 

Their visages and stature as of gods ; 570 

Their number last he sums. And now his heart 
Distends wiih pride, and nard'ning in his strength 
Glories : for never since created man 
Met such embodied force, as nam'd with these 
Could merit more than that small infantry 575 

Warr'd on by cranes ; though all the giant brood 
Of Phlegra with th' heroic race were join'd, 
That foiiglit at Thebes and Ilium, on each sid 
Mix'd wilh auxiliar godsj and what resounds 
fn fable or romance of Uthcr's son, 580 

Begirt with British and Armoric knights ; 
And all who since baptiz'd or infidel^ 
Jousted in Aspramont, or Montalbar^ 
Damasco, or Morocco, or Trebisond ; 
Or whom Biserta sent from Afric shore, 586 

When Charlemain with all his j^eerage fell 
By Fontarabbia. Thus far these beyond 
Compare of mortal prowess, yet observ'd 
Their dread commander : he, above tlie rest 
In shape and gesture proudly eminent, 590 

Stood like a tower : his form had not yet lost 
All her original brightness, nor appear'd 
Less than archangel ruin'd, and th' excess 
Of glory obscur'd : as when the sun new risen 
Looks through the horizontal misty air, 595 

Shorn of his beams ; or from behind the moon, 
In dim eclipse, disastrous twilight sheds 
On half the nations, and with fear of change 
Perplexes monarchs ; darken'd so, yet shone 
Above them all th' archangel : but his face 600 

Deep scars of thunder had intrench'd, and care 
Sat on his faded cheek, but under brows 
Of dauntless courage, and considerate pride 
Waiting revenge : cruel his eye, but cast 
Signs of remorse and passion, to behold 605 

The fellows of his crime, the followers rather, 
(Far other once beheld m bliss!) condemn'd 
For ever nov/ to have their lot in pain ; 
Millions of spirits, for his fault amerc'd 
Of heaven, and from eternal splendours flung 610 
For his revolt ; yet faithful how they stood, 
Their glory wither'd : as when heaven's fire 
Hath scaili'd the forest oaks, or mountain pines, 
With singed top their stately growth, though bare, 
3* 



so PARADISE LOST. [BooJt 1. 

Stands on the blasted heath. He now prepar'd 615 
To speaK, whereat their doubled ranks they bend 
From wing to wing, and half enclose him round 
With all his peers : attention held them mute : 
Thrice he assay'd, and thrice in spite of scorn, 
Tears, such as angels weep, burst forth ; at last 62G 
Words interwove with sighs found out their way. 

" O myriads of immortal spirits ! O powers 
Matchless, but with th' Almighty, and that strife 
Was not inglorious, though th' event was dire, 
As this place testifies, and this dire change, G25 

Hateful to utter : but what power of mind, 
Forseeing, or presaging, from the depth 
Of knowledge past or present, could have fear'd, 
How such united force of gods, how such 
As stood like these, could ever knov/ repulse ? G30 
For Avho can yet believe, though after loss, 
That all these puissant legions, whose exile 
Hath emptied heaven, shall fail to reascend 
Self-rais'd, and repossess their native seat ? 
For me be witness ail the host of heaven, 635 

If counsels different, or danger shunn'd 
By me, have lost our hopes : but he who reigns 
Monarch in heaven, till then as one secure 
Sat on his throne, upheld by old repute. 
Consent, or custom, and his regal state 640 

Put forth at full, but still his strength conceal'd, 
Which tempted our attempt, and wrought our fall. 
Elenceforth his might we know, and know our own . 
So as not either to provoke, or dread 
New war, provok'd. Our better part remains 645 
Td work in close design, by fraud or guile. 
What force effected not ; that he no less 
At length from us may find, who overcomes 
By force, hath overcome but lialf his foe. 
Space may produce new worlds ; Avhereof so rife 650 
There went a fame in heaven, that he, ere long. 
Intended to create ; and therein plant 
A generation, whom his choice regard 
Should favour equal to the sons of heaven : 
Thither, if but to pry, shall be perhaps G55 

Our first eruption, thither or elsewhere : 
For this infernal pit shall never hold 
Celestial spirits in bondage^ nor th' abyss 



Book [.] PARADISE LOST. 31 

Long under darkness cover. But these thoughts 

Full counsel must mature : Peace is despair'd, 660 
For who can think submission? War therj, war 
Oi)en or understood, must be resolv'd." 

He spake : and to confirm his words out flew 
Millions of flaming swords, drawn from the thighs 
Df mighty cherubim : the sudden blaze 635 

^'ar round illumin'd hell ; highly they rag'd 
Against the Highest, and fierce with gi-asped arms 
'Jlash'd on their sounding shields the din of war, 
Hurling defiance towai'd the vault of heaven. 

There stood a hill not far, whose grisly top G70 
Belch'd fire and rolling smoke ; the rest entire 
Shone with a glassy scurf; (undoubted sign 
That in his womb was hid metallic ore, 
The v.-ork of sulphur,) thither wing'd with speed 
A numerous brigade hastcn'd : as when bands 675 
Of pioneers, with spade and pickaxe arm'd. 
Forerun the royal camp, to trench a field, 
Or cast a rampart : Mammon led them on, 
Mammon, the least erected spirit that fell 
From heaven : for even in heaven liis looks and 
thoughts 680 

Were always downward bent ; admiring more 
The riches of heaven's pavement, trodden gold, 
Than ought divine or holy else, enjoy'd 
[n vision beatific: by him first 

Men also, and by his suggestion taught, 685 

Ransack'd the centre, and with impious hands 
Rifled the bowels of then- mother earth 
For treasures better hid. Soon had his crew 
Open'd into the hill a spacious wound, 
And digg'd out ribs of gold. (Let none admire 690 
That riches grow in hell ; that soil may best 
Deserve the precious bane.) And here let those 
Who boast in mortal things, and wond'ring tell 
Of Babel, and the works of Memphian kings, 
Learn how their gi-eatest monuments of fame, 695 
And strength, and art, are easily outdone 
By spirits reprobate, and in an hour, 
What in an age they with incessant toil. 
And hands innumerable, scarce perform. 
Nigh on the plain in many cells prepar'd, 700 



32 PARADISE LOST. [Book L 

That underneath had veins of liquid fire 

Sluic'd from the lake, a second multitude 

With wondrous art founded the massy ore 

Severing each kind, and scumm'd the bullion dross. 

A third as soon had form'd within the ground 705 

A various mould ; and from the boiling cells 

By strange conveyance fill'd each hollow nook : 

As in an organ, from one blast of wind, 

To many a row of pipes the sound-board breathes. 

Anon out of the earth a fabric huge 710 

Rose like an exhalation, with the sound 

Of dulcet symphonies, and voices sweet, 

Built like a temple, where pilasters round 

Were set, and Doric pillars, overlaid 

With golden architrave: nor did there want 71b 

Cornice, or frieze, v/illi bossy sculptures graven ; 

The roof was fretted gold. Not Babylon, 

Nor great Alcairo, such magnificence 

Equall'd in all their glories, to inshrine 

Belus, or Serapis, their gods ; or seat 720 

Their kings, when Egypt with Assyria strove 

!n wealth and luxury. Th' ascendmg pile 

Stood fix'd her stately height : and straight the doors 

Op'ning their brazen folds, discover wide 

Within her ample spaces o'er the smooth 72v'> 

And level pavement : from the arched roof^ 

Pendent by subtle magic, many a row 

Of starry lamps, and blazing cressets, fed 

With Naphtha and Asphaltus, yielded light, 

As from a sky. The hasty multitude 730 

Admiring enter'd, and the work some praise, 

And some the architect: his.hand was known 

In heaven by many a tow'red structure high, 

Where sceptred angels held their residence. 

And sat as princes ; whom the supreme King 735 

Exalted to such power, and gave to rule, 

Each in his hierarchy, the orders bright : 

Nor was his name vmheard, or unador'd, 

In ancient Greece ; and m Ausonian land 

Men call'd him Mulciber : and how he fell 740 

From heaven they fabled, thrown by angry Jove 

Sheer o'er the crystal battlements ; from morn 

To noon he fell, from noon to dewy eve, 

A summer's day ; and with the setting sun 

Dropp'd from the zenith like a falling star, 745 



UookL\ PARADISE LOST. 33 

On Lcmnos th' jEgean isle : thus tliey relate, 
birring ; for he with this rebelHous rout 
Fell lono; before ; nor ought avail'd him now 
T'have built in heaven high towers; nor did he scap& 
By all his engines, but was headlong sent 750 

With his industrious crew to build ni hell. 

Meanwhile the winged herald's by command 

Of sov'reign power, with awful ceremony 

And trumpet's sound, throughout the host proclaim 

A. solemn council forthwith to be held 755 

A.t Pandemonium, the high capital 

Of Satan and his peers : their summons call'd, 

From every band and squared regiment. 

By place or choice the worthiest, they anon 

With hundreds, and with ihousands, troopmg came 

Attended : all access was throng' d, the gates 76 1 

And porches wide, but chief the spacious hall 

(Though like a cover'd field, where champions bold 

Wont ride m armM, and at the Soldan's cJiair 

Defied the best of Panim chivalry 7G;i 

To mortal combat, or career Avith lance) 

Thick swarm'd, both on the ground, and in the air, 

Brush'd with the hiss of rustling wings. As bees 

In spring time, when the sun v/ith Taurus rides. 

Pour forth their populous youth about the hive 770 

In clusters ; they among fresh dews and flowers 

Fly to and fro, or on the smoothed plank, 

^The suburb of their straw-built citadel,) 

New rubb'd v/ith balm, expatiate and confer 

Their state affairs : so thick the airy crowd 77b 

Swanp'd and were straiten'd ; till the signal given ; 

Behold a wonJer ! they but now who seem'd 

In bigness to surpass earth's giant sons, 

Now less than smallest dwarfs, in narrow room 

Throng numberless, like that pygmean race 7b"U 

Beyond the Indian mount ; or faiiy ^ves ; 

Whose midnight revels, by a foi-est side, 

Or fountain, some belated peasant sees, 

Or dreams he sees ; while over head the moon 

Sits arbitress, and nearer to the earth 785 

Wheels her pale course ; they on their mirth and dance 

Intent, with jocund music charm his ear : 

At once with joy and fear his neart rebounds. 

Thus incorporeal spirits to smallest form? 



34 PARADISE LOSl'. [Boo} 

Reduc'd their shapes immense ; and were at large 
Though without number still, amidst the hall 
Of that infernal court. But far within, 
And in their own dimensions like themselves, • 
The great Saraphic lords, and cherubim, 
In close recess and secret conclave sat; 
Athousand demi-gods on golden seats. 
Frequent and full ! After short silence then. 
And summons read, the great consult began. 



END OP BOOK FIRST. 



PARADISE LOST. 



BOOK II. 



THE ARGUMENT. 

The conmltatiorK begwij Satan debates whether anotha 
battle is to be hazarded for the recovery of heaven ; 
some advise it, others dissuade. A third proposal is 
preferred, mentioned before by Satan, to search the 
truth of that prophecy or tradition in heaven con- 
cerning another world, and another kind of creature, 
equal, or not much inferior to themselves, about this 
time to be created : their doubt who f^hall be sent an 
this difficidt search : Satan, their chief, undertakes 
alone the voyage ; is honoured and applauded. The 
council thus ended, the rest betake them several ways, 
and to several employments, as their iiiclinations lead 
them, to entertain the time till Satan return. He 
passes on his journey to hell gates, finds them shut, 
and who sat there to guard them, by tohomat length 
they are opened, and discover to him the great gidf he- 
ttoeen hell and heaven : with what difficulty he passes 
through, directed by Chaos, the power of that place, 
to the sight of this neio world which he sought. 

High on a throne of royal state, which far 

Outshone the wealth of Ormus and of Ind ; 

Or where the gorgeous east with richest hand 

Showers on her kings barbaric pearl and gold, 

Satan exalted sat, by merit rais'd 6 

To that bad eminence : and from despair 

Thus high uplifted beyond hope, aspires 

Beyond thus high ; insatiate to pursue 

Vain war with "heaven ; and by success untftuglit, 

His proucJ imaginations thus disnlav'd • fO 



36 PARADISE LOST. [Book IJ 

" Powers, and dominions, deities of heaven ' 
(For since no deep within her gulf can hold 
Immortal vigour, though oppress'd and fallen, 
I give not heaven for lost : from this descent 
Celestial virtues rising, will appear 15 

More glorious and more dread than from no fall, 
And trust themselves to fear no second fate.) 
Me, though just right and the fix'd laws of heaven 
Did first create your leader ; next free choice ; 
With what besides, in council or in fight 20 

Hath been achiev'd of merit : yet this loss 
Thus far at least recover'd, hath much moce 
Establish'd in a safe unenvied throne. 
Yielded with full consent. The happier state 
In heaven, which follows dignity, might draw -i.'i 
Envy from each inferior : but who here 
Will envy whom the highest place exposes 
Foremost to stand against the Thunderer's aim, 
Your bulwa-k ; and condemns to greatest share 
Of endless pain? Where there is then no good 3" 
For which to strive, no strife can grow up there 
From faction : for none sure v/ill claim in hell 
Precedence ; none, whose portion is so small 
Of present pain, that with ambitious mind 
Will covet more ! with this advantage then '^^ 

To union, and firm faith, and firm accord. 
More than can be in heaven, we now return 
To claim our just inheritance of old. 
Surer to prosper than prosperity 
Could have assur'd us ; and by what best way, 40 
Whether of open war, or covert guile, 
We now debate : who can advise may spealr." 

He ceas'd ; and next him Moloch, sceptred king, 
Stood up, the strongest and the fiercest spirit 
That fought in heaven, now fiercer by despair : 15 
His trust was with th' Eternal to be deem'd 
Equal in strength, and rather than be less, 
Cared not to be at all ; with that care lost 
Went all his fear : of God, or hell, or worse, 4fc 

He reck'd not ; and these words thereafter spake . 

" My sentence is for open war ; of wiles, 
More unexpert, I boast not : them let those 
Contrive who need ; or when they need, not now 



dock II.] ' PARADISE LOST. ^^ 

For while they sit contriving, shall the rest, 
Millions that stand in arms, and longing wait 55 
The signal to ascend, sit ling'ring here 
Heaven's fugitives, and for their dwelling-place 
Accept this dark opprobrious den of shame, 
The prison of his tyranny who reigns 
By our delay ? No ! let us rather choose, 60 

Ann'd with hell-flames and fury, all at once 
O'or heaven's high towers to force resistless way 
Turning our tortures into horrid arms 
Against the Torturer: when to meet the noise 
Of his Almighty engine he shall hear 6a 

[nfernal thunder ; and, for lightning, see 
Black fire and horror shot with equal rage 
Among his angels : and his throne itself 
iVIix'd with Tartarean sulphur, and strange fire, 
His own invented torments. — But, perhaps, 70 

The way seems difficult and steep, to scale 
With upright wing against a higher foe. — 
Let such bethink them, (if the sleepy drench 
Of that forgetful lake benmnb not still,) 
That in ou^- proper motion we ascend ^^ 

Up to our native seat : descent and fall 
To us is adverse. Who but felt of late, 
When the fierce foe hung on our broken rea»' 
Insulting, and pursu'd us throu£,h the deen 
With what compulsion, and laborious f s'^t. 80 

We sunk thus low ? Th' ascent is ea^y then ; 
Th' event is fear'd ; should we agai^ provoke 
Our stronger, some worse way hi'- wrath may find 
To our destruction : (if there'bf i" ^^ell 
Fear to be worse dcstroy'd,) "^v'hat can be worse 85 
Than to dwell here, driven rUt from bhss, condemn'd 
[n tins abhorred deep to u'ter wo ! 
Where pam of unexting^ishable fire 
Must exercise us, without hope of end. 
The vassals of his ar^'er, when the scourge 9C 

Inexorably, and the torturing hour, 
Calls us to penance ? more destroy'd than thus, 
We should be quite abohsh'd, and expire. 
What fear we then ? what doubt we to incense 
His utmost ire ? v/hich to the height enraged, 95 
Will either quite consume us, and reduce 
To nothing tJiis essential ; happier far. 
Than miserable to have eternal being ; 
4 



S'S PARADISE LOST. [Book U 

Or if our substance be indeed divine, 

And cannot cease to be, we are at worst 100 

On this side nothing : and by proof we feel 

Our power sufficient to disturb his heaven, 

And ^vith perpetual inroads to alarm, 

Though inaccessible, his fatal throne : 

Which, if not victory, is yet revenge." 105 

He ended frowning, and his look denounc'd 
Desperate revenge, and battle dangerous 
To less than gods. On th' other side uprose 
Belial, in act more graceful and humane: 
A fairer person lost not heaven ; he seem'd 1 10 

For dignity compos'd, and liigh exploit : 
But all was false and hollow : though his tongue 
Dropp'd manna, and could make the worse appear 
The better i-eason, to perplex and dash 
Maturest counsels ; for his thoughts were low : 1 15 
To vice industrious, but to nobler deeds 
Timorous and slothful ; yet he pleas'd the ear 
\nd with persuasive accents thus began : 

^'^ should be much for open war, O peers, • 
As no behind in hate, if what was urg'd liiO 

Mam re-, son to persuade imrmediate war, 
Didnot c^si^jade me most ; and seem to cast 
Ominous co.^ecture on the whole success ; 
When he whci-^ost excels in fact of arms. 
In what he coun.^ig, and in what excels, 1 S5 

Mistmslful, grom,js his courage on despair. 
And uuer dissolution^ as the scope 
Of all his aim, after Stx^ie dire revenge. 
First, what revenge ? 'l\e towers of heaven are filPd 
With armed v/atch, that mider all access 1 30 , 

Impregnable : oft on the bu-dering deep 
Encamp their legions ; or wl\h obscure \ving, 
Scout far and wide iijto the reaAm of night, 
Scorning surprise. Or could we break our way 
By force, and at our heels all hell should rise 135 
With blackest insurrection, to confound 
Fleaven's purest light ; yet our great enemy, 
All incorruptible, would on his throne 
Sit unpolluted ; and th' ethereal mould 
Incapable of stayi, would soon expel 140 

Her misdiief, and purge off the baser fire, 



BookIL] PARADISE LOST. 39 

Victorious. Thus repuls'd, our final iiope 

[s flat despair : "vve must exasperate 

Th' Almigliiy Victor to spend all liis rage, 

And that must end us ; that must be our cure 145 

To be no more. — Sad cure ! for who would lose, 

Though full of pain, this intellectueJ being ; 

Those thoughts, that wander through eternity 

To perish rather, swallow'd up and lost 

In the wide womb of uncreated night, 150 

Devoid of sense and motion ? And who knows, 

(Let this be good,) whether our angry foe 

Can give it, or will ever ? how he can, , 

Is doubtful ; tl.at he never will, is sure. 

Will he, so wise, let loose at once his ire, 155 

Belike through impotence, or vinaware. 

To give his enemies their wish, and end 

Them in Lis anger, whom his anger saves 

To punish endless? — "Wherefore cease we then? 

Say they who counsel war ; we are decreed, 160 

Reserved, and destin'd to eternal wo ; 

Whatever doing, Avhat can we suffer more ; 

What can we suffer worse ? — Is this then worst, 

Thus sitti!ig, thus consulting, thus in arms ? 164 

What ! w hen we fled amain, pursu'd, and stinick 

With heaven's afflicting thunder, and besought 

The deep to shelter us ■? This hell then seem'd 

A refuge from those wounds. Or, when we lay 

Ohain'd on the burning lake ? 'I'haf^, sure was worse. 

What if the breath that kindled those grim fires, 170 

Awak'd, should blow them into sevenfold rage, 

And plunge us in the flames ? Or, from above, 

Should intermitted vengeance arm again 

His red right hand to plague us ? Wliat if all 

Her stores were open'd, and this firmament 1 75 

Of hell should spout her cataracts of fire ? 

Impendent horrors ! threat'ning hideous fall 

One day upon our heads : while we perlaaps 

Designing or exhorting glorious war, 

Caught in a fiery tempest shall be hurl'd 180 

Each on his rock transfix'd, the sport and prey 

Of racking whirlwinds : or for ever sunk 

Under yon boiling ocean, wrapp'd in chains ; 

There to converse with everlasting groans, 

Unrespited, unpitied, unrepriev'd, IS5 

Ages of liopelcss end ? This would be worse. 



40 PARADISE LOST. [Book U. 

War, therefore, open or couceai'd, alike 
My voice dissuades ; for what can force or guile 
With him, or who deceive Jiis mind, whose eye 
Views all things at one vieAv? He from heaven's 
height 190 

All these our motions vain sees and derides : 
Not more almighty to resist our might. 
Than wise to frustrate all our plots and wiles. 
Shall we then live thus vile, the race of heaven 
Thus trampled, thus expell'd, to suffer here 195 

Chains and these torments ? Better these than worse, 
By my advice ; since fate inevitable 
Subdues us, and omnipotent decree ; ^ 
The victor's will. To suffer, as to do. 
Our strength is equal, nor the law unjust 200 

That so ordains : this was at first resolv'd 
If v/e were wise, against so great a foe 
Contending, and sodonbtful what might fall. 
[ laugh, wiien those who at the spear are bold 
And vent'rous, if that fail them, shrink, and fear 
What yet they know must follow, to endure 2013 
Exile or ignominj'-, or bonds, or pain. 
The sentence of their conqueror : This is now 
Our doom ! which if we can sustain and bear. 
Our supreme foe, in time, may much remit 210 

His anger : and, perha])s, thus far remov'd, 
Not mind us, not ofFendi'ng, satisfied 
With what is punislied : whence these raging fires 
Will slacken, if his breath stir not their flames. 
Our purer essence then will overcome 215 

Their noxious vapour ; or inur'd, not feel ; 
Or chang'd at length, and to the place conform'd 
In temper, and in nature, will receive 
Familiar the fierce heat, and void of pain, 
This horror will grow mild, this darKness, light : 220 
Besides Avhathope the never-ending flight 
Of future days may hvivi*, what chance, what change 
Worth waiting, since our jU'esent lot aopeai-s 
For happy, though but ill ; for ill, not worst ; 
If we procure not to ourselves more wo." 225 

Thus Belial witsi words cloth'd in reason's garb 
Counsell'd ignoble ease, and peaceful sloth, 
Not peace : and af ler him thus iMammon spake. 



SoeklL] PARADISE LOST. 4\ 

" Either to disenthrone the King of heaven 
We war, if war be best, or to regain 230 

Our own riglit, lost : Him to unthrone we then 
May hope, when everlasting Fate shall yield 
To fickle Chance, and Chaos judge the strife; 
The former vain to hope, argues as vain 
The latter : for what place can be for us 236 

Within heaven's bound, unless heaven's Lord supreme 
We overpower ? Suppose he should relent 
And publish gi-ace to all, on promise made 
Of new subjection ; with what eyes could we 
Stand in his presence humble, and receive 240 

Strict laws imposed to celebrate his throne 
With warbled hymns, a)id to his Godhead sing 
Porc'd hallelujalis ? while he lordly sits 
Our envied Sovereign, and his altar breathes 
Ambrosial odours and ambrosial flowers, 245 

Our servile offerings ! This must be our task " 
f n heaven, tliis our delight ; how wearisome 
Eternity so spent, in worship paid 
To whom we hate ' Let us not then pursue 
By force impossible, by leave obtain'd 250 

Unacceptable, though in heaven, our state 
Of splendid vassalage : but rather seek 
Our own good from ourselves, and from our own 
Live to ourselves ; though in this vast recess, 
Free, and to none accountable ; preferring 255 

Hard liberty before the easy yoke 
Of servile pomp. Our gi-eatness will appear 
Then most coixspicuous, when gi-eat things of small, 
Useful of hurtful, prosperous of adverse 
We can create ; and in what place soe'er 260 

Thrive under evil, and work ease out of pain, 
Tlirough labour and endurance. This deep world 
Of darkness do we dread ? How oft amidst 
Thick clouds and dark, doth heaven's all-ruling Sire 
Choose to reside, his glory unobseur'd 265 

And with the majesty of darkness round 
Oovers his throne ;. from whence deep thunders roai 
Mustering their rage, and heaven resembles hell ? 
As he our darkness, cannot we his light 
Imitate when we please ? This desert soil 270 

Wants not her hidden lustre, gems, and gold : 
Nor want we skill or art, from whence to raise 
Magnificence : and what can heaven sIkuv more V 
4* 



42 PARADISE LOST. [Book 11 

Our torments also may, in length of time, 

Become our elements ; these piercing fires 275 

As soft as now severe, our temper chang'd 

Into their temper ; which must needs remove 

The sensible of pain. All things invite 

To peaceful counsels, and the settled state 

Of order, how in safety best we may 280 

Compose our present evils, with regard 

Of what we are, and were ; dismising quite 

All thought of war. — Ye have what I advise." 

He scarce nad finish'd, when f^uch murmur fill'd 
Til' assembly, as when hollow rocks retain 285 

The sound of blustering winds, which all night long 
Had rous'd the sea, now with hoarse cadence lull 
Sea-faring men o'erwatch'd, whose bark by chance, 
Or pinnace, anchors in a craggy bay 
After the tempest : sui;h applause was heard 290 
As Mammon ended, and his Sentence pleas'd, 
Advising peace. For, such another field 
They dreaded worse than nell : so much the fear 
Of thunder, and the SAvord of Michael, 
Wrought still within them ; and no less desire 295 
To found this nether empire, which might rise, 
By policy, and long process of time, 
[n emulation opposite to heaven. 
Which when Beelzebub perceiv'd (than whom, 
Satan except, none higher sat) with grave 300 

Aspect he rose, and in his rising seem'd 
A pillar of state : deep on his front engraven, 
Deliberation sat, and public care ; 
And princely counsel in his face yet shone, 
Majestic though in ruin ! sage he stood, 305 

With Atlantean should ei's fit to bear 
The weight of mightiest monarchies ; his look 
Drew audience and attention still as night, 
Or summer's noon-tide air ; while thus he spake : 

" Thrones and imperial powers, offspring of heaven. 
Ethereal virtues ! or these titles now 31 } 

Must we renounce, and, ^hanging style, be call'd 
Princes of hell ? For, so the popular vote 
IncUnes, here to continue, and build up here 
A growing empire : doubtless ! while we dream, 315 
And know that the King of heaven hath doom'd 



Book II.] PARADISE LOST. 43 

This place uur dungeon ; not our safe retreat 

Beyond his potent arm, toUve exempt 

From Heaven's nigh jurisdiction, in new league 

Banded against his throne : but to remain 320 

In strictest bondage, though thus far remov'd, 

Under th' inevitable curb, reserv'd 

His capti-je multitude : for he, be sure, 

In height, or depth, still first and last will reign 

Sole kmg, and of his kingdom lose no part 32') 

By om- revolt ; but over hell extend 

His empire, and with iron sceptre rule 

Us nere, as with his golden those in heaven. 

What sit we then projecting peace and war ? 

War hath determin'd us, and foil'd with loss 330 

Irrcparaole ; terms of peace yet none 

Vouchsaf d, or sought : for v/hat peace will be given 

To us enslav'd, but custody severe. 

And stripes,. and arbitrary punishment 

Inflicted ? and Avhat peace can we return ? 335 

But, to our power, hostility and hate, 

Untam'd reluctance, and revenge ; though slow, 

Yet ever plotting how the Conqueror least 

May reap his" conquest, and may least rejoice 

In doing what we most in suifering feel ? 340 

Nor will occasion want, nor shall we need 

With dangerous expedition, to invade 

Heaven, whose high walls fear no assault or siege, 

Or ambush from the deep: what if we find 

Some easier enterprize ? There is a place, 345 

(If cUicientand prophetic fame in heaven 

Err not,) another world, the happy seat 

Of some new race call'd Man ; about this time 

To be created like to us, though less 

In power and excellence, but favour'd more 350 

Of him who rules above : so was his will 

Pronounc'd among the gods, and by an oath, 

That shook heaven's whole circumterence, confirm'd. 

Thither let us bend all our thoughts, to learn 

What creatures there inhabit, of what mould, 355 

Or substance, how endued, and what their power, 

And where their weaknoss, how attempted best 

By force, or subtilty. Though heaven be shut, 

And heaven's high arbitrator sit secure 

In his own strength, this place may lie expos'd 360 

The utmost border of his kingdom, left 



44 PARADISE LOST. [Book 11 

To their defence who hold it : here perhaps 

Some advantageous act may be achiev'd 

By sudden onset, either with hell fire 

To waste his whole creation ; or possess 36b 

All as our own, and drive, as we were driven, 

The puny habitants ; or, if not drive, 

Seduce them to our party, that their God 

May prove their foe, and with repenting hand 

Abolish his own works. This would surpass 370 

Common revenge, and interrupt his joy 

In oiw confusion, and our joy upraise 

In his disturbance ; when his darling sons, 

Hurl'd headlon" to partake with us, shall curse 

Their frail original, and faded bliss : 375 

Faded so soon ! Advise if this be worth 

Attempting, or to sit in darkness here 

Hatchmg vain empires." Thus Beelzebub 

Pleaded his devilish counsel, first devis'd 

By Satan, and in part proposed . for whence, 3S0 

But from the author of all ill, could spring 

So deep a malice to confound the I'ace 

Of mankind in one root, and earth with hei 

To mingle and involve, done all to spite 

The great Creator ? But their spite still serves 3S5 

Qis glory to augment. The bold design 

Pleas'd highly those infernal slates, and joy 

Sparkled in all their eyes; with full assent 

They vote : whereat his speech he thus renews • 

" Well have ye judg'd, well ended long debate, 390 
Synod of gods ! and, J.ike to what ye are, 
Great things resolv'd*; which from' the lowest deep 
Will once more lift us up, in spite of fate. 
Nearer our ancient seat ; perhaps in view 394 

Of those bright confines, whence with neighbouring 
And opportune excursion, we may chance [arms, 
Re-enter heaven : or else, in some mild zone 
Dwell not un visited of heaven's fair hght, 
Secure, and at the bright'ning orient beam 
Purge off this gloom : the soft delicious air, 400 

To heal the scar of these corrosive firesj [send 

Shall breathe her balm. — But first whom shall we 
In search of this ncAv world ? whom shall we find 
Sufficient ? Who shall tempt with wandering feet 
The dark, unbottom'd, inlinite abyss, 4 J5 



D>>ok IL\ PARADISE LOST 45 

And through the palpable obscure find out 

His uncouth way ; or spread his airy flight. 

LTpborne Avith indefatigable wjngs, 

Over the vast abrupt, ere he arrive 

The happy isle ? What strength, what art can then 

SufRce, or what evasion bear him safe 411 

Through the strict sentries, and stations thick 

Of angels watching round? Here he had need 

All circumspection ; and we now no less 

Choice in our suffrage ; for, on whom we send, 415 

The weight of all, and our last hope, relies.'' 

This said, he sat ; and expectation held 
His look suspense, awaiting who appear'd 
To second or oppose, or undertake 
The perilous attempt : but all sat mute, 420 

Pondering the danger with deep thoughts ; and each 
In other's countenance read his own dismay, 
Astonish'd I None, among the choice and prime 
Of those neaven- warring champions, could be found 
So hardy, as to proffer, or accept 425 

Alone the dreadful voyage : till at last 
Satan, whom noAv transcendent glory rais'd 
Above his fellows, with monarchal pride 
(Conscious of highest worth) unmov'd thus spake : 

O progeny of neaven, empyreal thrones ! 4S0 
With i-eason hath deep silence, and demur, 
Seiz'd us, though undismay'd : long is the way 
And hard, that out of hell leads up to light : 
Our prison strong ; this huge convex of fire, 
Outrageous to devour, immures us round 435 

Ninefold : and gates of burning adamant 
Barr'd over us, prohibit all egress. 
These pass'd (if any pass) the void profound 
Of unessential night receives him next 
Wide gaping ! and with utter loss of being 440 

Threatens him, plung'd in that abortive gulf. 
If thence he 'scape into whatever world, 
Or unknown region, what remains him less 
Than unknown dangers, and as hard escape ? 
But I should ill become this throne, O peers ! 445 
And this imperial sovereignty, adorn'd 
With splendour, arm'd with jaower, if ought propos'd 
And judg'd of public moment, in the shape 



46 



PARADISE LOST. [Book 11. 



Of difficulty, or danger, could deter 
Me from attempting. Wherefore do I assume 45t 
These royalties, and not refuse to reign, 
Refusing to accept as great a share 
Of hazard, as of honour due alike 
To him who reigns, and so much to him due 
Of hazard more, as he above the rest 455 

High honour'd sits ? Go, tlierefore, mighty powers, 
Terror of heaven, though fallen ! intend at home, 
(While here shall be our home,) what best may ease 
The present misery, and render hell 
More tolerable ; if there be cure, or charm, 460 

To respite, or deceive, or slack the pain 
Of this ill mansion. Intermit no watch 
Against a wakeful foe, while I abroad, 
Through all the coasts of dark destruction, seek 
Deliverance for us all : this enterprise 465 

None shall partake with me." Thus saying, rose | 
The monarch, and prevented all reply : 
Prudent, lest, from his resolution rais'd, 
Others among the chiefs might offer now 
(Certain to be refased) what erst they fear'd j 470 
And so refus'd, might in opinion stand 
His rivfjs ; winning cheap the high repute, 
Which he thi'ough hazard huge must earn. But they 
Dreaded not more th' adventure, than his voice 
Forbidding ; and at once with him they rose : 475 
Their rising all at once was as the sound 
Of thunder heard remote. Towai'ds him they bend 
With awful reverence prone ; and as a god 
Extol him equal to the highest in heaven; 
Nor fail'd they to express how much they prais'd, 
That for the general safety he despis'd 48J 

' His own, (for neither do the spirits damn'd 
Lose all their virtue ; lest bad men should boast 
Their specious deeds on earth, which glory excites ; 
Or close ambition vai-nish'd o'er with zeal.) 485 

Thus they their doubtful consultations dark 
Ended, rejoicing in their matchless chief: 
As when from mountain-tops the dusky clouds 
Ascending, while the north-wind sleeps, o'er-spread 
Heaven's cheerful face, the lowering element 490 
Scowls o'er the darken'd landscape snow, or shoW'cr 
If chance the radiant sun with farewell sweet 
Extends his evening beam, tlie fields revive, 



Book IT.] PARADISE LOST. 47 

The birds their notes renew, and bleating herds 

Attest their joy, that hill and valley rings. 495 

O shame to men ! Devil with devil deimn'd 

Firm concord holds, men only disagree 

( !" creatures rational, though under hope 

^>f heavenly grace: and, God proclaiming peace, 

Yet live in hatred, enmity, and strife 500 

Amor,:: tlicmselves, and levy cruel wars, 

Wasting the earth, each other to destroy ; ^ 

As if (which might induce us to accord) 

Man had not hellish foes enow besides, 

That day and night, for his destruction wait. 505 

The Stygian council thus dissolv'd ; and forth 
f n order came the grand infernal peers : 
'Midst came their mighty paramount, and seem'd 
Alone th' antagonist of heaven, nor less 
Than hell's dread empcroi-, with pomp supreme, 510 
And godlike imitated state. Him round 
A globe of fiery seraphim inclos'd. 
With bright emblazonry, and horrent arms. 
Then, of their session ended, they bid cry 
With trumpets' regal sound the great result : 5 15 
Towards the four winds four speedy cherubim 
Put to their mouths the sounding alchymy. 
By heralds' voice explain'd : the hollow abyss 
Heard far and wide^ and all the host of hell 511) 

With deaPning shout return'd them loud acclaim. 

Thence more at ease their minds, and somewhat 
rais'd 
By false presumptuous hope, the ranged powers 
Disband, and wand'ring, each his several way 
Pursues, as inclination or sad choice 
Leads him perplex'a, where he may likeliest find 525 
Truce to his restless thoughts, and entertain 
The ii'ksome hours, till his great chief return. 
Part on the plain, or in the air sublime 
Upon the wing, or in swift race contend, 
As at th' Olympian games, or Pythian fields : 530 
Part cuib their fiery steeds, or shun the goal 
With rapid wheels, or fronted brigades form. 
As when, to warn proud cities, war appears 
Wag'd in the troubled sky, and annies rush 
To battle in the clouds ; before each van 535 



48 PARADISE LOST. [Book 11 

Prick forth the airy knights, and couch their spears 
Till tliickest legions close ; with feats of amis 
From either end of heaven the welkin burns. 
Others, with vast Typhcean rage, more fell ! 
llend up both rocks and hills, and ride the air 540 
fn whirlwind : hell scarce holds the wild uproar. 
As when Alcides from QEchalia crown'd 
With conquest, felt th' envenom'd robe, and tore 
Thr»u^h pain up by the roots ThessaUan pines ; 
#■ And Lichas from the top of OEta threw 545 

fnto th' Euboic Sea. Others, more mild, 
Retreated in a silent valley, sing 
With notes angelical to many a harp 
Their own heroic deeas and hapless fall 
By doom of battle: and complain that fate 550 

Free virtue should enthrall to foi-ce or chance. 
Their song was partial ; but the harmony 
(What could it less when spirits immortal sing !) 
Suspended hell, and took with ravishment - 
The thronging audience. In discourse more sweet, 
(For eloquence the soul, son^ charms the sense,) 556 
Others apart sat on a hill retir'd, 
In thoughts more elevate, and reason'd high, 
Of providence, foreknowledge, will, and fate j 
Fix'd fate, free will, foreknowledge absolute ; 560 
And found no end, in wand'ring mazes lost. 
Of good and evil much they argued then. 
Of happiness, and final misery. 
Passion, and apathy, and glory, and shame • 
Vain wisdom all, and false philosophy ; 5'65 

Yet with a pleasing sorcery, could charm 
Pain for a while, or anguish ; and excite 
Fallacious hope, or arm th' obdurate breast 
VVith stvibborn patience, as with triple steel. 
Another part, in squadrons and ^ross bands, 570 
On bold adventure to discover wide 
That dismal world (if any dime perhaps 
Might yield them easier hal^tation) bend 
Four ways their flying march, along the banks 
Of four infernal rivers, thai disgorge 575 

into the burning lake their baleiul streams • 
AHiorred Styx, the flood of deadly hate ; 
Sad Acheron, of sorrow ; black and deep ' 
Cocytus, nam'd of lamentation loud 
Heard on the rueful stream : iiorce Phlegetlior. 580 



Hook [I. \ PARADISE LOST. 49 

Whose waves of torrent fire inflame with rage, 
b^ar off iVom these, a slow and silent stream, 
Lethe, the river of oblivion, rolls 
•Her wat'ry labyrinth? whereof who drinks, 
Forthwith his former state and being forgets ; 585 
Forgets both joy and grief, pleasure and pain. 
Beyond this llood a frozen continent 
Li33 dark and wild ; beat with perpetual storms 
Of whirlwind, and dire hail ; wliich on firm land 
Thaws not, but ga'hers heap, and ruin seems 590 
Of ancient pile : ail else, deep snow and ice : 
A gulf profound ! as that Serbonian bog 
Betwixt Damiata, and mount Casius old, 
Where armies whole have sunk} the parching air 
Burns frorc, and cold performs the effect of fire. 595 
Thither, by harpy-footcd furies hal'd. 
At certain revolutions, all the damn'd 
Are brought ; and feel by turns the bitter change 
Of fierce extremes, extremes by change more fierce ; 
From beds of raging fire to starve in ice 600 

Their soft ethereal warmth, and there to pine 
[mmoveable, infixed, and frozen round, 
Periods of time ; thence hurried back to fire. 
They ferry over this Lethean sound 
Both to and fro, their sorrow to augment, 605 

And wish, and struggle as they pass to reach 
The tempting stream, with one s.^iall drop to lose 
In sweet fbrgetfulness all pain and woe. 
All in one moment, and so near the brink : 
But fate withstands, and to oppose th' attempt 610 
Medusa, with Gorgonian terror, guards 
The ford, and of itself the water flies 
All taste of living wight; as once it fled 
The lip of Tantalus. Thus roving on, 
fn confus'd march forlorn, th' advent'rous bands, Cli) 
With shudd'ring horror pale, and eyes ao;hast. 
View'd first their lamentable lot, and found 
No rest : through many a dark and dreary yslio 
They pass'd, and many a region dolorous; 
O'er many a frozen, many a fiery Alp ; 620 

Rocks, caves, lakes, fens, bogs, dens,.and shades of 

death; 
A universe of death ! which God by curse 
Created evil ; for evil only good, 
Where all life dies, death lives, and nature breeds 



50 PARADISE LOST. [Book U 

Perverse, all monstrous, all prodigious things, 62'» 
Abominable, unuiierable ; aiul worse 
Than fables yet have feign'd, or fear conceiv'd, 
Gorgons, aiKl Hydras, and Chimeras dire. 

Meanwhile the adversary of God and man, 
Satan, with thoughts inflam'd of highest design, 630 
Puts on swift wmgs, and towards the gates of hell 
Explores his solitaiy flight : sometimes 
He scours the right-hand coast, sometimes thelefl: 
Now shaves with level wing the deep; then soars 
Up to the fiery concave tow 'ring high. Gob 

As when far off at sea a fleet descry'd, 
Hangs in the clouds, by equinoctial winds 
CloSe sailing from Bengala, or the isles 
Of Ternate, and Tidore, whence mercnants bring 
Their spicy drugs: they on the trading flood 640 
Through the wide Ethio])ian to the Cape 
Ply, stemming nightly toward the Pole ; so seem'd 
Far ofT the flying fiend. At last appear 
Hell bounds, high- reaching to the horrid roof; 
A.nd thrice threefold the gates: three folds wem 
brass, 64^' 

Three iron, three of adamantine rock; 
Impenetrable, impal'd with circling fire, 
Yet unconsum'd. Before the gates there sat 
On either side a formidable shape ; 
The one seem'd woman to the Avaist, and fair : 65"* 
But ended foul in many a scaly fold. 
Voluminous and vast ! a serpent arm'd 
With mortal sting ; about her middle round 
A cry of hell-hounds never ceasing bark'd 
With wide Cerberian mouths full loud, and rung 65.S 
A hideous peal : yet, when they list, would creep, 
If ought disturb'd their noise, into her womb. 
And kennel there ; yet there still bark'd, and howl'tl 
Within, unseen. Far less abhorr'd than these 
Vex'd Scylla, bathing in the sea that parts 660 

Calabria from the hotvse Trinacrian shore ; 
Nor uglier follow the night-hag, when call'd 
In secret, riding through the air she comes, 
Lur'd with the smell of infant-blood, to dance 
With Lapland witches, while the lab'ring moon 605 
Eclioses at their charms. The other shape 
(If aliape it might be call'd, that shape had none 



Book II.] PARADISE LOST. 51 

Distinguishable in member, joint, or limb; 

Or substance might be call'ci that shadow scem'd, 

For each seem'd either :) black it stood as night, 670 

Fierce as ten furies, terrible as hell, 

And shook a dreadful dart: what seem'd liis head. 

The likeness of a kingly crown had on. 

Satan was now at hand, and from his seat 

The monster moving, onward came as fast 075 

With horrid strides: hell trembled as he strode. 

Th' undaunted fiend what this might be admir'd ; 

Admir'd, not fear'd ; God and his Son except, 

Created thing nought valued he, nor shunn'd ; 

And with disdainful look thus first began : G80 

" Whence, and what art thou ! execrable shape ! 
That dar'st, though grim and tcrrilile, advance 
Thy miscreated front athwart my way 
To yonder gates ? through them I mean to pass, 
That be assur'd, without leave or ask of thee. 685 
Retire, or taste thy folly, and learn by proof, 
Hell-born! not to contend with spirits of lieaven." 

' To whom the goblin full of wrath reply'd : 
"Art thou that traitor-angeL art thou he. 
Who first broke peace in heaven, and faith, till then 
dnbroken ; and in proud rebellious arms 691 

Drew after him the third part of heaven's sons. 
Conjured against the Highest; for which both thou 
And they, outcast from God, are here condem'd 
To waste eternal days in wo and pain ? 695 

And reckon'st thou thyself with spirits of heaveu, 
Hell-doom'd ! and breath'st defiance here and scorn, 
Where I reign king, and to enrage thee more. 
Thy king, and lord? Back to thy punishment, 
False fugitive ! and to thy speed add wings ; 700 
Lest with a whip of scorpions I pursue 
Thy ling'ring ; or with one stroke of this dart 
Strange horror seize thee, and pangs unfelt before." 

So spake the grisly terror, and in shape 
(So speaking, and so threat'ning) grew tenfold 705 
More dreadful and dcfomi. On th' other side, 
(ncens'd with indignation, Satan stood 
Dnterrify'd ; and like a comet burn'd, 
That fires the length of Ophiucus huge 



ht PARADISE LOST. [Book 11 

In th' arctic sky, and from his horrid hair 710 

Shakes pestilence and war. Each at the head 
Leveled his deadly aim ; their fatal hands 
No second stroke intend : and such a frown 
Each cast at th' otlier, as when two black clouds 
With heaven's artil'ry fraught, come rattling on 715 
Over the Caspian ; then stand front to front, 
Hov'ring a space, till winds the signal blow 
To join their dark encounter in mid-air : 
So frown'd the mighty combatants, that hell 
Grew darker at their frown: so match'd they stood ; 
For never but once more was either like 72 \ 

To meet so great a foe. And now great deeds 
Had been achiev'd, whereof all hell had rung, 
Had not the snaky sorceress that sat 
Fast by hell-gate, and kept the fatal key, 725 

Risen, and with hideous outcry rush'd between. 

" O father ! what intends thy hand," she cry'd, 
" Against thy only son ? What fury, O sor^ 
Possesses thee to bend that mortal dart 
Against thy father's head ? and knowest for whom ; 
For him who sits above, and laughs the while 731 
At thee, oidain'd his di^idge, to execute 
Whate'er his wrath, which he calls justice, bids ; 
His wjath, which one day will destroy ye both !" 

She spake, and at her words the hellish pest 735 
Forbore ; then these to her Satan return'd : 

" So strange thy outcry, and thy words so strange 
Thou interposest, that my sudden hand 
Prevented, spares to tell thee yet by deeds 
What it intends ; till first I know of thee, 740 

What thing thou art, thus double- form'd ; and v/hy 
In this infernal vale first met, thou call'st 
Me father, and that phantom call'st my son : 
[ know thee not, nor ever saw till now 
6ight more detestable than hmi and thee." 745 

T' whom thus the portress of hell-gate reply'd j 
"Hast thou forgot me t!.en, and do I seem 
Now in thine eye so foul ? once deem'd so fair 
In heaven ! when at th' assembly, and in sight 
Of all tlie seraphim, with thee combin'd 



Book II.] PARADISE LOST. ' 58 

[n bold conspiracy against heaven's King, 
Ail on a sudden miseiable pain 
Surpris'd thee, dim thine eyes, and dizzy swam 
fn darkness ; while thy head flames thick and fast 
Threw foi lli ; till on the left, side op'ning wide, 755 
Likest to thee in shape, and count'nancc bright, 
Then shining heavenly fair, a goddess arm'd. 
Out of thy loead I sprung: amazement seiz'd 
All th' hosA, of heaven ; back they recoil'd, afraid 
At first, and call'd me Sin ; and for a sign 760 

Portenteous held me : but familiar gi'own, 
I pleas'd, and with attractive graces Avon 
The most averse, thee chiefly, who full ofl 
(Thyself in me thy perfect image viewing) 
Becam'st enamour'd, and such joy thou' took'st 765 
With me in secret, that my womb conceiv'd 
A growing burden. Meanwhile war arose, 
And fields were fought in heaven ; wherein remain'd 
(For what could else?) to our almighty foe 
Clear victory ; to our part loss, and rout, 770 

Through all the empyrean : down they fell, 
[•riven headlong from the pitch of heaven, down 
Into this deep ; and m the general fall 
I also : at which time this powerful key 
Into my hand was given, with charge to keep 775 
These gates for ever shut, which none can pass 
Without my opening. Pensive here I sat 
Alone, but long I sat not, till my womb 
Pregnant by thee, and now excessive grown, 
Prodigious motion felt, and rueful throes ! 78.'> 

At last this odious offspring whom thou seest, 
Thine own begotten, breaking violent way 
Tore through my entrails ; that with fear and pain 
Distorted, all my nether shape thus grew 
Transform'd. But he, my inbred enemy 785 

Forth-issu'd, brandishing his fatal dart 
Made to destroy : I fled, and cry'd out, Death ! 
Hell trembled at the hideous name, and sigh'd 
From all her caves, and back resounded. Death ! 
[ fled, but he pursu'd (though more, it seems, 79(J 
Inflam'd with lust than rage) and, swifter far 
Me overtook, his mother, all dismay'd ; 
And m embraces forcible, and foul. 
Engendering with me, of that rape begot 
These yelling monsters ; that wiiJi ceaseless cry 796 
5+ 



54 • PARADISE LOST. [Bouk II 

Surround rae, as thou saw'st ; hourly conceiv'd, 

Ami hourly born, wilh sorrow infinite 

To me! For, when they list, into the womb 

Thai bred them they return ; and hoAvI, and gnaw 

My bowels, their repast : then bursting forth, 800 

Afresh with conscious terrors vex me round, 

That rest or intermission none I find. 

Before mine eyes in opposition sits 

Grim Death, my son and foe : who sets them on, 

And me liis parent would full soon devour 803 

For want of other prey, but that he knows 

His end with mineinvolv'd : and knows that I 

Should prove a bitter morsel, and his bane 

Whenever that shall be ; so Fate pronounc'd. 

But thou, O father ! I forewarn thee, shun 810 

His deadly arrow ; neither vainly hope 

To be invulnerable in those bright arms, 

Though temper'd heavenly ; for that mortal dint, 

Save he who reigns above, none can resist !" 

She finish'd, and the subtle fiend his lore 815 

Soon learn'd, now milder, and thus answci-'d smooth : 

" Dear daughter ! since thou claim'st me for thy sire, 
And my fair son here show'st me (the dear pledge 
Of dalliance had with thee in heaven, and joys 
Then sweet, now sad to mention, thro' dire change 
Befallen us, unforeseen, unthought of!) know 821 
I come no enemy, but to set free 
From out this dark and dismal house of pain, 
Both him and thee, and all the heavenly host 
Of spirits that (in.our just pretences arm'd,) 825 

Fell with us from on high : from them I go 
This uncouth errand sole ; and one for all 
Myself expose, with lonely steps to tread 
Th' unsounded deep, and through the void immense 
To search with wand'ring quest a place foretold 830 
Should be, and, by concurring signs, ere-now 
Created, vast and round ; a place of bliss 
In the purlieus of heaven, ftnd (herein plac'd 
A race of upstart creatures, to supply 
Perhaps our vacant room ; though more remov-d, 
Lest heaven surcharg'd with potent multitude 836 
Might hap to move new broils Be this, or ought 
Than this more secret, now design'd, I haste 



Bookll.\ PARADISE LOSl. .55 

To know ; and this once known, shall soon return, 
And brinj; ye to the place where thou, and Death, 
Shall dwell at ease, and up and down unseen 841 
Wing silently the buxom air, embalm'd 
With odours : there ye shall be fed, and fiU'd 
Immeasurably, all things shall be your prey." 

He ceas'd, for both seem'd highly pleas'd. and Death 
Grinn'd horrible a ghastly ymile, to hear 846 

His famine should be fill'd ; and bless'd his maw 
DestinM to that good hour : no less rejoic'd 
fiis mother bad, and thus bespake her sire : 

" The key of this infernal pit by due, 850 

And by command of heaven's j»Jl-powerful King, 
I keep ; by him forbidden to unlocK 
These adamantine gates ; against all force 
Death ready stands to interpose his dart, 
Fearless to be o'ermatch'd by living might. 855 

Bat what I owe to his commands above 
Who hates me, and hath hither thrust me down 
[nto this gloom of Tartarus profound. 
To sit in hateful office here confin'd, 
Inhabitant of heaven, and heavenly-born, 860 

Here in perpetual agony and pain. 
With terrors, and with clamours compass'd round, 
Of mine own brood, that on my bowels feed ? 
Thou a.rt my father, thou my author, thou 
My being gav'st me ; whom should I obey 865 

But thee ? Avhom follow ? thou wilt bring me soon 
To that new world of light and bliss, among 
The gods who live at ease, where I shall reign 
At thy right hand voluptuous, as beseems 
Thy daughter, and thy darling, without end.'* 870 

Thus saying, from her side the fatal key, 
Sad instrument of all our wo ! she took ; 
And towards the gate rolling her bestial train. 
Forthwith the huge porticullis high up-drew ; 
Which but herself, not all the Stygian powers 875 
Could once have mov'd ; then in the key-hole turns 
Th' intricate wards, and every bolt and bar 
Of massy iron, or solid rock, with ease 
TTnfaslens : on a sudden open fly, 
With impetuous recoil, and jarring sounds 880 



56 PARADISE LOST. [Book I), 

rh' infernal doors, and on their hinges grate 

tlarsh thunder, that the lowest bottom shook 

Of Erebus. She open'd, but to shut 

Excell'd her power ; the gates wide open stood. 

That with extended wings a banner'd liost 885 

Under spread ensigns marching, might pass through 

With horse, and chariots, rank'd in loose array, 

So wide they stood ! and like a furnace mouth, 

Cast forth redounding smol;e, and ruddy flame. 

Before their eyes in sudden view appear 890 

The secrets of the hoary deep ; a dark 

Illimitable ocean, without bound. 

Without dimension; where length, breadth, arid 

/ height. 

And time, and place are lost ; where eldest Night 

And Chaos, ancestor's of Nature, hold 895 

Eternal anarchy, amidst the noise 

Of endless wars, and by confusion stand: 

For hot, cold, moist, and dry, four champions fierce, 

Strive here for mast'ry, and to battle bring 

Their embryon atoms ; they around the flag 900 

Of each his faction, in their several clans, 

Light arm'd, or heavy, sharp, smooth, swift, or slow, 

Swarm populous, unnumber'd as the sands 

Of Barca, or Gyrene's torrid soil. 

Levied to side with warring winds and poise 905 

Their lighter wings. To whom these most adhere, 

i3e rules a moment : Chaos umpire sits, 

And by decision more embroils the fray, 

By which he reigns : next him high arbiter 

Chance governs all. Into this wild abyss, 910 

(The womb of nature, and perliaps her grave,) 

Of neither sea, nor shore, nor air, nor fire, 

But all these in their pregnant causes mix'd 

Confus'dly, and which thus must ever fight, 

(Unless th' Almighty Maker them oi-dain 915 

His dark materials to create more worlds,) 

[nto this wild abyss the wary fiend 

Stood on the brink of hell, and look'd awhile, 

Pond'ring his voyage ; (for no narrow frith 

He had to cross :) nor was his ear less peal'd 920 

With noises loud, and ruinous, (to compare 

Great things with small,) than when Bellona storras, 

With all her batt'ring engines bent to raze 

Some capital city ; or less than if this frame 



Book 11.] PARADISE LOST. 5T 

Y heaven were falling, and these elements 925 

m-'.Oif hfld from her axle torn 
N..efl/itHS» arth. At last his saiJ-broad vans 
I. . .p^ds *«j. '^,!§ht, and m the surging smoke 
Up>.uea sp'ii^a the ground : thence many a league, 
As in a clouuy chair, ascending rides 930 

Audacious ^ but that seat soon failing, meets 
A vast vacuity : all unawares, 
Flutt'ring his pennons vain, plump down he drops 
Ten thousand fathom deep : and to this hour 
Down had been falhng, had not by ill chance 935 
The strong rebuff of some tumultuous cloud. 
Instinct with fire and nitre, hurried him 
As many miles aloft : that fury stay'd, 
duench'd in a boggy Syrtis, neither sea, 
Nor good dry land, nigh founder'd on he fares, 940 
Treadir.g the crude consistence, half on foot, 
Half flying ; behooves him now both oar and sail. 
As when a griffon, through the wilderness 
With winged course o'er hill, or moory dale, 
Pursues the Arimaspian, who by stealth 945 

Had from his wakeful custody purloin'd 
The guarded gold : so eagerly the fiend 
O'er bog or steep, through strait, rough, dense or rare, 
With head, hands, wings, or feet, pursues his way ; 
And swims, or sinks, or wades, or creeps, or flies. 950 
At length a universal hubbub wild 
Of stunning sounds, and voices all confus'd, 
Borne through the hollow dark assaults lus ear 
With loudest vehemence : thither he plies, 
Undaunted to meet there whatever power, 955 

Or spirit, of the nethermost abyss, 
Might in that noise reside, of whom to ask 
Which way the nearest coast of darkness lies, 
Bordering on light : when strait behold the tlirone 
Of Chaos, and his dark pavilion spread 9C0 

W^ide on the wasteful deep : Avith him enthron'd 
Sat sable- vested Night, eldest of things. 
The consort of his reign: and by them stood 
Orcus and Ades, and the dreaded name 
Of Demogorgon : Rumour next, and Chance, 9G5 
And Tumult, and Confusion all embroil'd. 
And Discord with a thousand various mouths. 
T' whom Satan turning boldly, thus : " Ye powers, 
And spirits of this nethemiost abyss. 



58 PAHADISE LOST. ^^Bock. U 

Chaos and ancient Night, I come no spy 970 

With purpose to explore, or to disturb 

The secrets of your realm ; but by constraint 

Wand'ring this darksome desart, as my way 

Lies through your spacious empire up to light. 

Alone, and without guide, half lost, 1 seek 975 

What readiest path leads where your gloomy boun;!:, 

Cenfine with heaven: or if spme other place 

From your dominion won, th' etherial king 

Possesses lately, thither to arrive 

I travel this profound : direct my course ; 980 

DirvJcted, no mean recompense it brings 

To your behoof: if I that region lost, 

All usurpation thence expell'd, reduce 

To her original darkness, and your sway, 

(Which is my present journey,) and once more 985 

Erect the standard there of ancient Night ; 

Yours be th' advantage all, mine the revenge !" 

Thus Satan 5 and him thus the anaixh old, 
With fault'ring speech, and visage incompos'd, 
Answer'd : "I know thee stranger, who thou art, 990 
That mighty leading angel, who of late 
Made head against heaven's King, tho' overthrown. 
I saw, and heard ; for such a num'rous host 
Fled not in silence through the frighted deep, 
With ruin upon ruin, rout on rout, 995 

Confusion worse confounded : and heaven-gates 
Pour'd out by millions her victorious bands 
Pursuing. I upon my frontiers here 
Keep residence ; if all I can will serve, 
That little which is left so to defend, 1000 

Encroach'd on still through our intestine broils, 
Wcak'ning the sceptre of old Night : first hell, 
Your dungeon, stretching far and wide beneath : 
Now lately heaven and earth, another world 
Hung o'er my realm, link'd in a golden chain, 1005 
To that side heaven from whence your legions fell: 
If that way be your walk, you have not far ; 
So much the nearer danger ; go, and speed . 
Havoc, and spoil, and ruin are my gain." 

He ceas'd, and Satan staid not to reply, 1010 

But gild I hat now the sea should find a shore, 
With fresh alacrity, and force renew'(^ 



Book 11. PARADISE LOST. 59 

Springs upwaal, like a pyramid of fire, 

Into the wild expanse ; and through the shock 

Of fighting elements, on all sides round 1015 

Environ'd, wins his way : harder beset, 

Aid more endanger'd, than when A rgo pass'd 

Through Bosphorus, belwixt the justhng rocks: 

Or when Ulysses on the larboard shunn'd 

Charybdis, and by th' other whirlpool steer'd. 10'2<) 

So he with difliculty, and labour hard 

Mov'd on ; witli difficulty and labour he : 

But he once pass'd, soon after, when man fell. 

Strange alteration ! Sin, and Death, amain, 

Following his tract (such was the will of heaven !j 

Pav'd after him a broad and beaten way 1026 

Over the dark abyss, whose boiling gulf 

Tamely endur'd a bridge of wondrous length, 

From hell continued, reaching th' utmost orb 

Of this frail world ; by which the spirits perverse 

With easy intercourse pass to and fro, 1031 

To tempt or punish mortals, except whom 

God and good angels guard by special grace. 

But now at last the sacred influence 
Of hght appears, and from the walls of heaven 1035 
Shoots far into the bosom of dim night 
A. glimmering dawn : here Nature first begins 
Her farthest verge, and Chaos to retire, 
As from her outmost works a broken foe, 
With tumult less, and with less hostile din ; 1040 
That Satan with less toil, and now with ease, 
Wafts on the calmer wave by dubious light ; 
And like a Aveather-beaten vessel holds 
Gladly the port, though shrouds and tackle torn ; 
Or in the emptier waste, resembling air, 1045 

Weighs his spread wings, at leisure to behold 
For off th' empyreal heaven, extended wide 
fn circuit undeterniin'd square or round ; 
With opal towers and battlements adorn'd 
Of living saphire, (once h\s native scat !) 1050 

And fast by, hanging in u golden chain, 
Tliis pendent world, in bigness as a star 
Of smallest magnitude, close by the moon. 
Thitlier full fraught with mischievous revenge, 
Accurs'd and in a cursed hour, he hies. 1055 

END OF BOOK SECOND. 



PARADISE LOST 



BOOK III. 



THE ARGUMENT. 

(Sod sluing on his throne sees Sataii Jlijing toioanh thti 
world, then newly created; shores kim to the Son who 
snt at his right hand ; foretells the success of i^atan 
in perverting mankind: clears his cv)n juslic(^ and 
wisdom from all imputation, having created man free, 
arid able enough to have icithstood his tempter ; yet 
declares his purpose of grace towards him, i?i regard 
he fell not of his oion malice, as did Satan, but by 
him seduced. The Son of God renders praises to his 
Father for the manifestation of his gracious pvrpose 
towards Man; bid God again declares, that grace 
cannot be extended towards Man toithout the satisfac' 
tion of divine justice ; Man hath offended the majesty 
of God by aspiring to Godhead, and, therefore, loith 
all his progeny devoted to death, must die, unless 
some one can be found sufficient to answer for his 
offence, and undergo his punishmejit. The Son oj 
God freely offers himself a ransom for Man • the 
Father accepts him, ordains his incarnation, pro- 
nounces his exaltation above all names in heaven and 
earth ; commaiids all the angels to adore him ; they 
obey, and hymning to their harps in full choir, cele- 
brate the Father and the >jon. Meanwhile Satan 
alights upon the bare convex of this loorld's outermost 
orb; where loandering he first finds a place, since 
called the Limbo of Vanity ; what persons and things 
fly up thither; thence comes to the gate of heaven, 
descHbed ascending by stairs, and the ivaters above the 
firmament thatfiow about it : his passage thence to the 
orb of the sun : he finds there Uriel, the regent of thai 
orb; but first changes himself into the shape of u 
meaner angel; and pretending a zealous desire Ic 



Book III.] PARADISE LOST- 61 

behold the new creation and Man iohom God had 
placed there, hiqxdres of him the place of his habitor- 
Hon, and is directed; alights firxt on mouat Alt- 
phates. 



I 
Hail holy Light, offspring of heaven first-boin. 
Or of th' eternal co-eternal beam ! 
May ! express thee unblam'd ? sinoe God is light, 
And never but in an unapproached tight 
Dwelt from eternity ; dwelt then in thee, 5 

Bright effluence of bright essence increate! 
Or hearest thou rather pure ethereal stream, 
Whose fountain who shall tell? Before the sun, 
Before the heavens thou wert, and at the voice 
Of God, as with a mantle, didst invest iO 

The rising world of waters dark and deep, 
Won from the void and formless infinite. 
Thee^I revisit now with bolder wing, 
Escap'd the Stygian pool, though long detain'd 
In that obscure sojourn ; while in my flight 15 

Through utter and through middle darkness borne, 
With other notes than to th' Orphean lyre, 
I sung of Chaos, and eternal Night ; 
Taught by the lieavenly Muse to venture down 
The dark descent, and up to reascend, 20 

Though hard, and rare ! Thee I revisit safe, 
And feel thy sovereign vital lamp : but thou 
Revisit'st not these eyes, that roll in vain 
To find thy piercing ray, find find no<dawn; 
So thick a drop serene hath quench'd their orbs, 25 
Or dim suffusion veil'd ! Yet not the more 
Cease I to wander, where the Muses haunt 
Clear spring. Or shady grove, or sunny hill, 
Smit with the love of sacred song : but chief 
Thee, Sion, and the fiowery brooks beneath, 30 

That wash thy hallow'd feet, and warbling flow. 
Nightly I visit : nor sometimes forget 
Those other t^vo equall'd with me in fate, 
(So were I equall'd with them in renown!) 
Blind Thamyris, and blind Maeonides : 35 

And Tiresias and Phineus, prophets old. 
Then feed on tlioughts, that voluntaiy move 
Harmonious numbers ; as the wakeful bird 
6 



62 PARADISE LOST. [Book 111, 

Sings darkling, and in shadiest coveil l:jd 

Tunes her nocturnal noLe. Tlius with the year -10 

Seasons return ; but not to me returns 

Day, or the sweet approach of even or morn, 

Or sight of vernal bloom, or summer's rose, 

Or flocks, or herds, or humaij face divine : 

But cloud instead, and ever-during dark 45 

Surrounds me ! from the cheerful ways of men 

Cut off; and for the book of knowledge fair, 

Presented with a universal blank 

Of nature's works, to me expung'd and raz'd, 

And wisdom at one entrance quite shut out ! oG 

So much the rather thou, celestial Light! 

Shine inward, and the mind through all her powers 

Irradiate ; there plant eyes ; all mist from thence 

Purge and disperse ; that I may see and tell 

Of things invisible to mortal sight. 55 

Now had the Almighty Father from above, 
(Fi'om the pure empyrean wheie he sits 
High thron'd above all height.) bent down his eye, 
His own works and their v/orks at once to view : 
About him all the sanctities of heaven _ 60 

Stood thick as stars, and from his sight receiv'd 
Beatitude past utterance : on his right 
The radiant image of his glory sat, 
His only Son. On earth he first beheld 
Our two first parents (yet the only two C5 

Of mankind) in the happy garden plac'd, 
[leaping immortal fruits of joy and love ; 
Uninterrupted joy, unrivall'd love, 
[n bhssful solitude. He then survey'd 
Hell, and the gulf between, and Satan there 70 

Coasting the wall of heaven on this side night, 
In the dun air sublime ; and ready now 
To stoop with wearied wings, and wilhng feet, 
On the bare outside of this world, that seem'd 
Firm land imbosom'd without firmament ; 75 

Uncertain which, in ocean, or in air. 
Him God beholding from his prospect high, 
Wherein past, present, future he beholds, 
Thus to his only Son foreseeing spake : 



" Only begotten Son ! seest thou what rage 
Transports our adversary, wliom no bounds 



80 



Book III.] PARADISE LOST G3 

Prescrib'cl, no bars of hell, nor a?I the chains 
Heap'd on him there, nor yet the main abyss 
Wide-interrupt, can hold? So bent he seems 
. Ofi desperate revenge, that shall redound 85 

Upon his own rebellious head. And now 
Tln-ough all restraint broke loose, he wings his way 
Not far off heaven, in the precincts of light, 
Directly towards the new-created world. 
And man there plac'd ; with purpose to assay GO 
If him by force he can destroy, or worse, 
By some false guile pervert : and shall pervert j 
For man will hearken to his glozing lies, 
And easily transgress the sole command, 
Sole pledge of his obedience : so will fall, 95 

He, and his faithless progeny. Whose fault ? 
Whose but his own ? Ingrate ! he had of me 
All he could have : I made him just and right ; 
Sufficient to have stood, though free to fall. 
Such I created all th' ethereal powers, 1 00 

And spirits, both them who stood, and them who fail'd ■ 
Freely they stood who stood, and fell who fell. 
Not free, what proof could they have given sincere 
Of true allegiance, constant faith, or love. 
Where only what they needs must do, appear'd ; 105 
Not, what they would ? What praise could they 

receive ? 
What pleasure I from such obedience paid. 
When will and reason (reason also is choice) 
Useless and vain, of freedom both despoil'd, 
Made passive both, had serV'd necessity, 1 10 

Not me ? They therefore, as to right belong'd, 
So were created, nor can justly accuse 
Their IMaker, or their making, or their fate ; 
As if predestination over-rul'd 

Their will, dispos'd by absolute decree, 115 

Or high foreknowledge. They themselves decreed 
Their own revolt, not, I: if I foi-eknew, 
Foreknowledge had no influence on their fault, 
Whioh had no less prov'd certain unforeknown. 
So without least impulse, or shadow of fate, 1^0 
Or ought by me immutably foreseen, 
They trespass ; authors to themselves in all, 
Both v/hat they judge, and what they choose ; for so 
I form'd them free, and free they musfremain. 
Till they enthral themselves: I else must change 



64 PARADISE LOST [Book III. 

Their nature, and revoke the high decree 120 

Unchangeable, eternal, wliich rrdain'd 

Their freedom : they tiicmselves ordain'd their fall. 

The first sort by their own suggestion fell, 

Self- tempted, self-deprav'd : nian falls, deceiv'd, 136 

By th' other fu-st : man, therefore, shall find grace, 

The other none. In mercy, and justice both. 

Through heaven and earth, so shall my glory excel , 

But mercy, first and last, shall brightest shine." 

Thus while God spake, ahibrosial fragrance fill'd 
All heaven, and in the blessed spirits elect 136 

Sense of new joy ineffiible diffus'd. 
Beyond compare the Son of G od was seen 
Most glorious ; in him all his Father shone 
Substantially express'd ; and in his face 140 

Divine compassion visibly appear'd. 
Love without end, and without measure grace ; 
Which uttering, thus he to his father spake : 

" O Father ! gracious was that word which clos'd 
Thy sovereign sentence, that man should find grace 
For which both heaven and earth shall high extol 
Thy praises, with th' innumerable sound 147 

Of hymns and sacred songs, wherewith thy throne 
Encompass'd shall resound thee ever bless'd. 
For should man finally be lost, should man 150 

Thy creature late so lov'd, thy youngest son. 
Fall circumvented thus by fraud, though join'd 
With his own folly ? That be from thee far. 
That far be from thee. Father, who art judge 
Of all things made, and judgest only right. 155 

Or shall the adversary thus obtain 
His end, and frustrate thine ? shall he fulfil 
His malice, and thy goodness bring to nought ; 
Or proud return, though to his heavier doom, 
Yet, with revenge accomplish'd, and to hell IGO 

Draw after him the whole race of mankind, 
By him corrupted ? Or wilt thou thyself 
A'bolisla thy creation, and unmake, 
For him, what for thy glory thou hast made ? 
So should thy goodness and thy greatness, both 1G5 
Be questioned, and blasphem'd without defence." 

To whom the great Creator thus replied; 



Book III.] PARADISE LOST. 65 

" O Son, in -whom my soul hath chief delijjht, 
Son of my bosom, Son wlio art alone 
My word, my wisdom, and effectual might ! , 170 
All hast thou spoken as my thoughts are, all 
As my cTernal purpose hath decreed. 
Man shall not quite be lost, but sav'd who will 
Yet not of will in him, but grace in me 
Freely vouchsaf'd : once more I will renew 175 

His lapsed powers, though forfeit, and inchrall'd 
By sin to foul exorbitant desires : 
Upheld by me, yet once more he shall stand 
On even ground agahist his mortal foe : 
By me upheld, that he may know how frail 180 

His fallen condition is, and to me owe 
All his deliverance, and to none but me. 
Some I have chosen of peculiar grace 
Klect above the rest : so is my will . 
The rest shall hear me call, and oft be warn'd 185 
' Their sinful state, and to appease betimes 
' rii' incensed Deity, while orier'd grace 
Itnvites: for I will clear their senses dark, 
What may suffice, and soften stony hearts 
To pray, repent, and bi-ing obedience due. 190 

To prayer, repentance, and obedience due, 
Though but endeavour'd with sincere intent. 
Mine ear shall not be slow, mine eye not shut ; 
And I will place within them as a guide 
My umpire Conscience ; Avhom if they will hear, 193 
Light after light M'ell us'd they shall attain, 
And to the end persisting, safe arrive. 
This my long sufferance, and my day of grace, 
They who neglect and scorn shall never taste ; 
But hard be harden'd, blind he blinded more, 200 
That they may stumble on, and deeper fall; 
And none but such from mercy I exclude. 
But yet all is not done : Man disobeying, 
Disloyal breaks his fealty, and sins 
Against the high supremacy of heaven, 205 

Affecting Godhead, and so losing all, 
To expiate liis treason hath nought left. 
But to destruction, sacred and devote. 
He with nis whole posterity must die ; 
Die he or justice must ; unless for him 210 

Some other able, and as willing, pay 
The rigid satisfaction, death for death. 
6« 



66 PARADISE LOST. [Book III 

Say, heavenly poAvers, whei-e shall we find such love? 
Which of ye will be mortal to redeem 
Man's mortal crime, and just, th' vmjust to save ? 
Dwells in all heaven charity so -dear ?" 210 

He ask'd, but all the heavenly choir stood mute, 
And silence was in heaven : on man's behalf 
Patron or intercessor none appear'd ;^ 
Much less that durst upon his own head draw 22l> 
The deadly forfeiture, and ransom set. 
And now. without redemption, all mankind 
Must have been lost, adjudg'd to deatli and hell 
By doom severe, had not the Son of God, 
In whom the fulness dwells of love divine, 225 

His dearest mediation thus renew'd : 

" Father, tliy word is pass'd ; man shall find grace 
And shall grace not find means, that finds her way, 
The speediest of thy winged messengers. 
To visit all thy creatures, and to all 23M 

Comes unprevented, unimplor'd, vm^ovight ? 
Happy for man, so coming ! he her aid 
Can never seek, once dead in sins and lost ; 
Atonement for himself, or offering meet, 
(Indebted, and undone !) hath none to bring. 235 
Behold me then ! me for him, life for life 
I offer ; on me let thine anger fall ; 
Account me man : I for his sake will leave 
Thy bosom, and this glory next to thee 
Freely put off, and for him lastly die 240 

Well pleas'd : on me let death wreak all his rage ; 
Under his gloomy power T shall not long 
Lie vanquivsh'd ; thou hasv given me to possess 
Life in myself for ever ; by thee I live, 
Though now to death I yield, and am his due 2-15 
All that oi me can die'; yet that debt paid, 
Thou wilt not leave me in the loathsome grave 
His prey, nor suffer my unspotted soul 
For ever with corruption there to dwell ; 
But I shall rise victorious, and subdue 250 

My vanquisher, spoil'd of his vaunted spoil ; 
Death his death's wound shall then receive, and stoop 
Inglorious, of his mortal sting disarmM. 
[ through the ample air in triumph high 
Shall lead hell captive maugre hell! and show 255 



Book in.] PARADISE LOST. O? 

The powers of darkness bound. Thovi at the si^ht 
Pleas'cl, out of heaven shalt look down and smile ; 
"While by thee rais'd I ruin all my foes, 
Death la-st, and with his carcass glut the gi-avcs: 
Then, with the mu'titude of my redeem'd, 26vl 

Shall eiiter heaven, long absent, and return. 
Father ! to see 'thy face, wherein no cloud 
Of anger shall remain j but peace assur'd 
And reconcilement: wrath shall be no more 
Thenceforth, but in thy presence joy entii-e." 2t>-5 

His words here ended, but his meek aspect 
Silent yet sp ike, and breath'd immortal love 
To mortal men, above which only shone 
Filial obedience : as a sacrifice. 
Glad to be offer'd, he attends the will 270 

Of his great Father. Admiration seiz'd 
All heaven, what this might mean, and whither tend, 
Wond'ring ; but soon th' Almighty thus replied • 

" O thou, in heaven and earth the only peace 
Fomid out for mankind under wrath ! O thou, 275 
My sole complacence ! well thou know'st how dear 
To me are all my works, nor man tJie Jeast, 
Though last created ; that for him I spare 
Thee from my bosom and i-ight hand, to save, 
By loosing thee a while, the whole race lost. 2S0 
Thou, therefore, whom thou only canst redeem. 
Their nature also to thy nature join, 
And be thyself man among men on earth. 
Made flesli, when time shall be, of virgin seed, 
By wondrous birth : be thou in Adam's room, 2S5 
The head of all mankind, though Adam's son. 
As in him perish all men, so in thee. 
As from a second roo*, shall be restor'd 
As many as are restor'd, without thee none- 
His crime makes guilty all his sons ; thy merit 290 
Imputed shall absolve them who renounce 
Their ov/n both righteous and unrighteous deeds, 
And live in thee transplanted, and from thee 
Receive new hfe. So man, as is most just, 
Shall satisfy for nmn, be jud^\l, and die, 295 

And dying rise, and rising with him raise 
H'S brethre^i, ransom'd with his own dear life, 
Sn h^tivcvAy love sliall outdo hellish hate. 



6S FAKADISr LOST. JBoohflL 

Grrrnr to death, and dv^--j : - -•: 'ft-m. 

So urir' r TO rede^n "«^y " ' e SOP 

So easii'T destroT'd. a'^- ?. 

Ii: liose'Trt: ' ' rrace. 

Vr-rsnalith- 

Man"? ^" ' -i ■'^-". 

Becai,> .iriie&t bSss 3ft5 

i. -en ^Marf 

fGod, 
7 :'^ ai© 

>e in tbee '; 

1 7- aboands ; 

V,- -"— ?• 

£. - _ - Man, .-- 

[ r:Tr :ii-?e : reim fra- erer. and assniQe 

T I redare , 

^ ^ - -ide 3il 

]ji rjeavert or earLO, Off laitit^r eanii in kidL 

^ " ' ''"^ ^ ■ : ■■ ' v -nd 

7 325i 

7 : -. .. : -^nds 

iLr -jT^rr i-i-- ::r:r.~:i:: i_e c::ea eead 



359 



--- Me: 



New: _t - 7.: 7 ^.•^' 



Far re?a'; ??.enTre 34^ 



Book III.] PARADISE LOST GJ* 

No sooner had th' Almighty ceas'd, uut all* 
riie multitude of angels, with a shout 345' 

Loud as from numbers vi-ithout number, ywreet. 
As from bless'd voices uttering joy, heaven rung 
With jubilee, and loud hosannas fill'd 
Th' eternal regions- Lowly reverent 
Towards either throne they bow, and to the gro;4nd 
With solfccan adoration do'4-n they cast 351 

Their crowns, inwove with amaranth and gold ; 
Immortal amaranth ! a flower which once 
In Paradise, fast by the tree of life, 
Began to bloom ; but soon for man's offence 355 

To heaven remov'd, where first it grew, there grows, 
And flowers aloft, shading the fount of life ; 
And where the river of bliss thro' midst of heaven 
Rolls o'er Elysian flowers her amber sir«>am : 
With these, that never fade, the spirits elect 360 
Bind their resplendent locks, inwreath'd -with beams , 
Now in loose garlands thick thrown off, the bright 
Pavement, that, like a sea of jasper shone, 
Impurpled with celestial roses smil'd. 
Then crown'd again, their golden harps they took, 
aaTj>s ever lun'd, that, glittering by their side, o€G 
Like quivers hung, and with preamble sweet 
Of charming symphony they introduce 
Their sacred song, and waken raptures high : 
No voice exempt ; no voice but well could join 370 
Melodious part, snch concord is in heaven. 

" Thee, Father," f rst they sung, '* onanipotent. 
Immutable, umnortal, infinite. 
Eternal King ; thee, Author of all being, 
Fountain of light, thyself invisible 375 

Amidst the glorious brightness where thou sitt'st 
Thron'd inaccessible, but when thou shad'st 
The full blaze of thy beams, and through a doud. 
Drawn round about thee like a radiant shrine, 
Dark with exce^ive bright, thy skirts appeeir, 3S0 
Yet dazzle heaven, that brightest seraphim 
Approach not, but wirh both wings veil their eyes,'' 
" Thee," next they sang, " of all creation first, 
Begotten Son, divfne siniilitudc ? 
fn whose conspicuous countenance, without cloud SS5 
Made visible, tii' ahnighty Fatli^r shines. 
Whom else no creature can behold : on thse 



70 PARADISE LQST. [BocK llh 

Impress'd, th' effulgence of his glory abides, 

Transfus'd on thee his ample Spirit rests. 

He heaven of heavens, and all the powers therein, 

By thee created, and by thee threw down 391 

Th' aspiring dominations : thou that day 

Thy Father's dreadful thunder did not spare. 

Nor stop the flaming chariot- wheels, that shook 

Heaven's everlasting frame, while o'er the necks 395 

Thou drov'st warring angels disarray'd. 

35ack from pursuit thy powers with loud acclaim 

Thee only extol'd, Son of thy Father's might, 

To execute fierce vengeance on his foes. 

Not so on man : him thro' their malice fallen, 400 

Father of mercy and grace ! thou didst not doom 

So strictly, but much more to pity incline : 

No sooner did thy dear and only Son 

Perceive thee purpos'd not to doom ft-ail man 

So strictly, but much more to pity incliin;, 405 

He, to appease thy wrath, and end the strife 

Of mercy "and justice in thy face discern'd, 

Regardless of the bliss wherein he sat 

Second to thee, offer'd himself to die 

For man's offence. O unexampled love ' 410 

Love no where to be found less than divine ! 

Hail, Son of God, Saviour of men \ Thy name 

Shall be the copious matter of my song 

Henceforth, and never shall my harp thy praise 

Forget, nor from thy Fathei''s praise disjoin." 41 5 

Thus they in heaven, above the starry sphere, 
Their happy hours in joy and hymning spent. 
Meanwhile upon the firm opacous globe 
Of this round woi-ld, whose first convex divides 
The luminous inferior orbs, enclos'd 420 

From Chaos, and th' inroad of darkness old, 
Satan alighted walks. A globe far off 
It seem'd, nov/ seems a boundless continent, 
Dark, waste, and wild, luider the frown of nigh 
Starless expos'd, and ever-threat'ning storms 425 
Of Chaos blust'ring round, inclement sky , 
Save on that side from which the wall of heaven, 
Though distant far, some small reflection gains 
Of glimmering air, less vex'd with tempest loud : 
Here walk'd the fiend at large in spacious field. 4.^ 
As when a vulture, on Imaus bred, 



Book ILL] PARADISE LOST. 71 

^Vhose snowy ridge the roving Tartar Iwtinds, 

Dislodging from a region scarce of prey, 

To gorge Viic ficsh of lambs, or yeanling kids 

Or hills Avhere flocks are fed, flies tow'rds the sprniirs 

Of Ganges, or Hydaspes, Indian streams ; 436 

But in his way lights on the barren i^lains 

Of Sericana, where Chineses drive 

With sails of wind their cany wagons light : 

So on this windy sea of land, the fiend 440 

Walk'd up and down alone, bent on his prey ; 

Alone, for other creature in this place. 

Living or lifekss, to be found was none ; 

None yet ; but store hereafter from the earth 

LTp hither like a^.rial vapours flew, 446 

Of all things transitory and vain, when sin 

With vanity had fiU'd the works of men : 

Both all things vain, and all who in vain things 

Built their fond hopes of glory or lasting fame, 

Or happiness in this or th' other life : 450 

All who have their reward on earth, the fruits 

Of painful superstition and blind zeal, 

Nought seeking but the praise of men, here find 

Fit retribution, empty as their deeds : 

All th' unaccomplish'd works of natm-e's hand, 455 

Abortive, monstrous, or unkindly mix'd, 

Dissolv'd on earth, fleet hither, and in vam, 

Till final dissolution, wander here : 

Not in the neighb'ring moon, ?.s some have dream'd ; 

Those argent fields inore likely habitants, 460 

Translated saints or middle spii-its hold, 

Betwixt the angelical and human kind. 

Hither, of ill-join'd sons and daughters born. 

First from the ancient world those giant.3 came, 

With many a vain exploit, though then renown'd • 

The builders next of Babel on the plain 466 

Of Sennaar, and still with vain design 

New Babels, had tliey wherewithal, would build : 

Others came single ; he who, to be deem'd 

A god, leap'd fondly into Etna's flames, 

Empedocles ; and he M-ho, to enjoy 

Plato's Elysium, leap'd into the sea, 

Cleombrotus ; and many more too long, 

Embryos, and idiots, eremites, and friars. 

White, black, and grey, with all their trumpery. 

Here pilgrmis roam, tliat stray'd so far to .seek 



72 PARADISE LOST. [Book III, 

fn Gol2;otria liim dead, who lives in heaven ; 

And they who, to be sure of Paradise, 

Dyin^ put on the ^'eeds of Donnnic, 

Or in Franciscan think to pass disguis'd, 48f 

They pass the planets seven, and pass the fix'd, 

And that chry&talline sphere whose balance weighs 

The trepidation talk'd, and that first-mov'd : 

And now Saint Peter at heaven's wicket seems 

To wait them with his keys, and now at foot 485 

Of heaven's ascent they lift their feet, when lo ' 

A violent cross wind from either coast 

Blows them transverse, ten thousand leagues awry 

Into the devious air ; then micrht ye see 

Cowls, hoods, and habits, witli their wearers, tost 

And flutter'd into rags ; then reliques, beads, 491 

Indulgences, dispenses, pardons, bulls. 

The sport of wnnds: all these, up-whirl'd aloftj 

Fly o'er the backside of the world far off. 

Into a Limbo large and broad, since call'd 495 

The Paradise of Fools, to few unknown 

Long after : now unpeopled, and untrod. 

All this dark globe the fiend found as he pass'd, 

And long he wander'd, till at last a gleam 

Of dawning light turn'd thither-ward in haste 500 

His travell'd steps : far distant he descries, 

Ascending by degrees magnificent 

Mp to the wall of heaven, a structure high. 

At top w^hereof, but far more rich, apjiear'd 

The work as of a kingly palace gate, 505 

SVith frontispiece of diamond, and gold 

Embellish'd ; thick with sparkling orient gems 

The portal shone, inimitable on earth, 

By model, or by shading pencil drawn. 

The stairs were such as whereon Jacob saw 510 

Angels ascending and descending, bands 

i)f guardians bright, when he from Esau fled 

To Padan-aram, in the field of Luz, 

Dreaming by night under the open sky. 

And waking cried, 'This is the gate o'f heaven.' 515 

Each stair mysteriously was meant, nor stood 

There always, but drawn up to heaven sometimes 

Viewless ; and underneath a bright sea fiow'd 

Of jasper, or of liquid pearl, whereon 

Who after came from earth, sailing arrivVl, 620 

Wafted by angels, or flew o'er the lake 



BookllL] PARADISE LOST. 78 

VVrapp'd in a chariot drawn by fiery steeds. 
The stairs were then letdown, whether to dare J 
The fiend by easy ascent, or aggravate 'i 

His sad exclusion from the doors of bliss : 526 

Direct against which open'd fron) beneath, 
Just o'er the bUssful seat of Paradise, 
A passage down to th' earth, a passage wide, 
Wider by far than that of after-times 
Ovgr mount Sion, and, though that were large, 530 
Over the promis'd Land to God so dear, 
By which, to visit oft those happy tribes, 
On high behests his angels to and fro 
Pass'd frequent, and his eye with choice regaid, 
From Paneas, the fount of Jordan's flood, 5'-^:: 

To Beersaba, where the Holy Land 
Borders on Egypt and th' Arabian shore ; 
So wide the opening seem'd, where bounds were se: 
To darkness, such as bound the ocean wnve. 
Satan from hence, now on the lower stair, 54U 

That scal'd by steps of gold to heaven gate, 
Looks down with v/onder at rhe sudden view 
Of all this world at once. As wlien a scout, 
Through dark and desert ways witli peril gone 
All night, at last, by break of cheerful dawn, 54f 
Obtains the brow of some high-climbing hill, 
Which to his eye discovers unaware 
The goodly prospect of some foreign land 
First seen, or some renown'd metropolis, 
With glist'ring spires and pinnacles adorn'd, 550 
Which now the rising sun gilds with his beams 
Such wonder seiz'd, though after heaven seen, 
The spirit malign ; but much more envy seiz'd 
At siglit of all this world beheld so fair. 
Round he surveys (and well might where he stood 
So high above the circling canopy 556 

Of night's extended shade) from eastern point f 

Of Libra, to the fleecy star, that bears '' 

Andromeda far off Atlantic seas. 
Beyond th' horizon : then from pole to pole 560 

He views in breadth ; and without longer pause 
Down right into the world's first region throws 
His flight precipitant, and winds with ease, 
Through the pure marble air his oblique way, 
Amongst innumerable stars, that shone, 6G5 

Stars distant, but nigh hani:l seem'd other world's ; 
7 



74 PARADISE LOST. [Book III 

Or other worlds they seem'd, or happy isles, 

Like those Hesperian gardens fam'd of old, 

Fortunate fields, and groves, and flowery vales, 

Thrice happy isles ! But who dwelt happy there 

He stay'd not to inquire. Above them all 571 

The golden sun, in splendour likest hoaven, 

Allur'd his eye ; thither his course he bends 

Through the calm firmament, (but, up or dowL 

By centre or eccentric, hard to tell ; 575 

Or longitude,) where the great luminary, 

Aloof "the vulgar constellations thick, 

That from his lordly eye keep distance due, 

Dispenses Hght from far ; they as they move 

Their starry dance in numbers that compute 5&^ 

Days, months, and years, tow'rds his all-cheering lamjj 

Turn swift their various motions, or are turn'd 

By his magnetic beam, that gently warms 

The unive'-se, and to each inwai-d pai-t, 

With gentle penetration, though unseen, 585 

Shoots invisible virtue even to the deep ; 

So wondrously was set his station bright. 

There lands the fiend, a spot like which perhaps 

Astronomer in the sun's lucent orb, 

Through his glaz'd optic tube, yet never sav/. 69Q 

The place he found beyond expression bright, 

Compar'd with ought on earth, metal, or stone : 

Not all parts alike, but all alike inform'd 

With radiant light, as glowing iron with fire ; 

If metal, part seem'd gold, part silver clear ; 595 

If stone, carbuncle most or chrysolite. 

Ruby or topaz, or the twelve that shone 

In Aaron's breast-plate, and a stone besides 

ImEigin'd rather oft than elsewhere seen, 

That stone, or like to that which here below 600 

Philosophers in vain so long have sought. 

In vain, though by their powerful art they bind 

Volatile Hermes, and call up unbound 

In various shapes old Proteus from the sea, 

Drain'd through a limbec to his native form. 605 

What wonder then if fields and regions here 

Breathe forth elixir pure, and rivers run 

Potable gold, when with one virtuous touch 

Til' arch-chemic sun, so far from us remote, 

Produces, with terrestrial humour mix'd, 610 

Here in the dark so many precious things 



Book III] PARADISE LOST. 75 

Of colour glorious, and effect so rnre ? 

Here mattsr new to gaze the Devil met 

Undazzled ; far and wide his eye commands 

P'or sight no obstacle found here, nor shade, G15 

But all sunshine, as when his beams at noon 

Culminate from th' equator, as they now 

Shot upward still direct, whence no way round 

Shadow from body opaque can fall ; and th' air, 

No where so clear, sharpen'd his visual ray 620 

To objects distant far, whereby he soon 

Saw within ken a glorious angel stand, 

The same whom John saw also in the suji : 

His back was turn'd, but not his brightness hid : 

Of beaming sunny rays a golden tiar 625 

Circled his head, nor less his locks behind 

Illustrious on his shoulders, fledged with wings, 

Lay waving rovmd ; on some great charge employ'd 

He seem'd, or fix'd in cogitation deep. 

Glad was the spirit im.pure, as now in hope 630 

To find who might direct his wand'ring flight 

To Paradise, the happy seat of man. 

His journey's end, and our beginning wo. 

But first he casts to change his proper sliape, 

Which else might work him danger or delay: 635 

And now a stripling cherub he appears, 

Not of the prime, yet such as in his face 

Y^outh smil'd celestial, and to every limb 

Suitable gi-ace diffus'd, so well he feign'd : 

Under a coronet his flowing hair G4^ 

I-n curls on either cheek play'd ; wings he wore 

Of many a colour'd plume, sprinkled with gold 

His habit fit for speed succinct, and held 

Before his decent steps a silver wand. 

He Qrew not nigh unheard ; the angel bright, ()43 

Ere he drew nigh, his radiant visage turn'd, 

Admonish'd by his ear ; and strait was known 

Th' archangel Uriel, one of the seven 

Who in God's presence, nearest to his throne, 

Stand ready at command, and are his eyes 650 

That run through all the heavens, or down to th' earth 

Bear his swift errands over moist and dry, 

O'er sea and land : liim Satan thus accosts : 

" Uriel ! for thou of those seven spirits that stand 
In sight of God's high throne, gloriously bright, 655 



76 PARADISE LOST. [Book III 

The first art wont his great authentic will 

Interpreter through nighest heaven to bring, 

Where all his sons thy embassy attend ; 

And here art likeliest by suprenie decree 

Like honour to obtain, and as his eye 66U 

To visit oft this new creation round ; 

Unspeakable desire to see, and know 

All these his wondrous works, b'lt chiefly man, 

His chief delight and favour ; him, for whom 

All these his works so wondrous he ordain'd, 665 

Hath brought me from the choirs of cherubim 

Alone thus wand'ring. Brightest seraph ! te]l 

In which of all these shining orbs hath rnan 

His fixed seat, or fixed seat hath none. 

But all these shining orbs his choice to dwell ; 670 

That I may find him, and with secret gaze, 

Or open admiration, him behold. 

On whom the great Creator hath bestow'd 

Worlds, and on whom hath all these graces pour'd ; 

That both in him and all things, as is meet, 675 

The universal Maker we may praise ; 

Who justly hath driven out his rebel foes 

To deepest hell ; and, to repair that loss, 

Created this new happy race of men 

To serve him better : wise are all his ways." 680 

So speak the false dissembler unperceiv'd ; 
For neither man noi angel can discern 
Hypocrisy, the only evil that walks 
Invisible, except to God alone, 684 

By his permissive will, through heaven and earth : 
And oft though wisdom wake, suspicion sleeps 
At wisdom's gate, and to simplicity 
Resigns her charge, while goodness thinks no ill 
Where no ill seems ; v/hich now for once beguil*d 
Uriel, though regent of the sun, and held 690 

The sharpest sighted spirit of all in heaven ; 
Who to the fraudulent imposter foul. 
In his uprightness, answer thus return'd . 

"JFair angel ! thy desire which tends to know 
The works of God, thereby to glorify 695 

The great Work-Master, leads to no excess 
That reaches blame, but rather merits praise 
The more it seems excess, that led thee hither 
From thy empyreal mansion thus alone. 



Book fIL] PARADISE LOST. 77 

To witness with thine eyes what some perhaps, 700 

Contented with report, hear only in heaven : 

For wonderful indeed are all his works, 

Pleasent to know, and worthiest to be ail 

Had in remembrance always with delight : 

But what created mind can comprehend 705 

Their ntimber, or the wisdom infinite 

Tliat brought them forth, but hid their causes deep ? 

I saw when at his word the formless mass. 

This world's material mould, came to a heap : 

Confusion heard his voice, and wild uproar 710 

Stood rul'd, stood vast infinitude confin'd ; 

Till at his second bidding darkness fled, 

Light shone, and order from disorder sprung. 

Swift to their several quarters hasted then 

The cumbrous elements, earth, flood, air, fire, 715 

And this ethereal cjuintessence of heaven 

Flcv/ upward, spirited with various forms, 

That roU'd orbicular, and turned to stars 

Numberless, as thou seest, and how they move j 

Each had his place appointed, each his course ; 720 

The rest in circuit walls this universe. 

Look downward on that globe, whose hither side 

With light from hence, though but reflected, shines . 

That place is Earth, the seat of man ; that light 

His day, which else, as th' other hemisphere, 725 

Night would invade ; but there the neighboring moon 

(So call that opposite fair star) her aid 

Timely interposes, and her monthly round. 

Still ending, still renewing, through mid heaven, 

With borrow'd light her countenance triform 730 

Hence fills and empties to enlighten th' earth, 

And in her pale dominion checks the night. 

That spot to which I point is Paradise, 

Adam's abode, th«se lofty shades his bower : 734 

Tliy way thou canst not miss, me mine requires." 

Thus said, he turn'd; and Satan bowing low, 
As to superior spirits is wont in heaven, 
Where honour due and reverence none neglects. 
Took leave, and tow'rd the coast of earth beneath, 
Down from th' ecliptic, sped with )iop'd success, 740 
Throws his steep flight in many an airy wheel, 
Nor staid, till on Niphates' top he lights. 

END OF BOOK THIRD. 

7* 



rT- 



PARADISE LOST 



BOOK IV. 



THE ARGUMENT. 



SalaUf noio in prospect of Eden, and nv^h the placs 
where he ■>mist noio attempt the bold entirprise ichich 
he imdertook alone against God and Man, falls into 
jnany doubts xoith himself, and many pofis'ions, fear, 
envy, and despair ; but at length confirms hhnstlf in 
evil, journeys on to Paradise, ichose (ndward prospect 
and sittiafion is described, overleaps the bounds, sitf 
in the shape of a co'morant on the tree of life, as 
highest in the garden, to look about him. The garden 
described ; Satan^s first sight of Mam and Eve ; hii 
wonder at their excellent form and happy state, but 
with resolution to work their fall ; overhears their 
discourse, thence gathers that the tree of knowledge 
was forbidden them to eat of, under penalty of death ; 
and thereon intends to found his temptation, by 
seducing them to transgress : then leaves them a tohile, 
to knoxo further of their state by some other means. 
Meanwhile Uriel, descending on a sun-beam, warns 
Gabriel, who had In charge the gata of Paradise^ 
that some evil spirit had escaped the deep, and passed 
at noon by his sphere, in the shape of a good angel, 
doion to Paradise, discovered after by his furious 
gestures in the mount. Gabriel promises to find him 
ere morning. J^ght coming on, Jldam and Eve 
discourse of going to their rest : their bower described ; 
their evening worship. Gahiel, drawing forth hii 
bands ofnight-ioatch to walk the round of Paradise^ 
appoints two strong ayigels to Mam''s bower, lest the 
evil spirit shotdd be there doing some harm to Mam of 
Eve sleeping; there they fmd him at the eay of Eve 



Book IV.] PARADISE LOST. 79 

tempting her in a dream, and bring him, Ihcugh un- 
willing, to Gabriel; by ic horn questioned, he scorn- 
fully answers, prepares resistance, but hindered by a 
sign from heaven, fiies out of Paradise. 



O FOR tliat warning voice, which he who saw 

Th' Apocalypse heard cry in lieaven aloud, 

Then when the Dragon, put to second rout, 

Came furious down to be reveng'd on men 

' Wo to th' inhabitants on earth ! that now, 5 

While time was, our first parents had been warn'd 

The coming of their secret foe, and scap'd, 

Haply so scap'd his mortal snare: for now 

Satan, now first inflam'd with rage, came down, 

The tempter, ere th' accuser of mankind, 10 

To wreak on innocent frail man his loss 

Of that first battle, and his flight toheH. 

Yet not rejoicing in his speed, though bold. 

Far off and fearless, nor with cause to boast, 

Begins his dire attempt ; which nigh the birtli 15 

Now rolling, boils in his tumultuous breast. 

And like a devilish engine back recoils 

Upon liimself : horror and doubt distract 

His troubled thoughts, and from the bottom stir 

The hell within him ; for within him hell 20 

He brings, and round about him, nor from hell 

One step, no more than from himself, can fly 

By change of place : now conscience wakes despair^ 

That slumber'd ; wakes the bitter memory 

Of what he was, what is, and what must be 25 

Worse ; of worse deeds worse sufferings must ensue. 

Sometimes tow'rds Eden, which now in his view 

Lay pleasant, his griev'd look he fixes sad ; 

Sometimes tow'rds heaven, and the full blazing sun. 

Which now sat high in his meridian tower • 30 

Then, much revolving, thus in sighs began 

" O thou ! that with surpassing glory crown'd, 
Look'st from thy sole dommion like the god ( 

Of this new world ; at whose sight all the stars ' > 
Hide their diminish'd heads ; to thee I call, 35 

But with no friendly voice, and add thy name, 
sun ! to tell thee how I hate thy beams. 



80 PARADISE LOST. [Bock IV 

That bring to my rernembrance from what state 
1 fell ; how glorious once above thy sphere ; 
Till pride and worse ambition threw me down, _ 40 
Warring in heaven against heaven's matchless King 
Ah, wherefore ! he deserv'd no such return 
From me, whom he created what I was 
In that bright eminence, and with his good 
Upbraided none ; nor was his service hard, 45 

What could be less than to afford him praise, 
The easiest recompense, and pay him thanks, 
How due ! yet all his good prov'd ill in me. 
And wrought but malice ; lifted up so high 
I s'dain'd subjection, and thought one step higher 50 
Would set me highest, and in a moment quit 
The debt immense of endless gratitude, 
So burdensome still paying, still to owe ; 
Forgetful what from him 1 still receiv'd. 
And understood not that a grateful mind 55 

By owing owes not, but still pays, at once 
Indebted and discharg'd : what burden then ? 
O had his pov/erful destiny ordain'd 
Me some inferior angel, I had stood 
Then happy ; no unbounded hope had rais'd GO 

Ambition. Yet why not ? some other power 
As great might have aspir'd, and me, tho' mean, 
Drawn to his part ; but other powers as great 
Fell not, but stand unshaken, from within 
Or from without, to all temptations arm'd. 65 

Hadst thou the same free will and p6wer to stand ? 
Thou hadst : whom hast thou then or what t' accuse. 
But heaven's free love dealt equally to all ? 
Be then his love accurs'd, since love or hate, 
To me alike, it deals eternal wo. 70 

Nay curs'd be thou ; since against his thy will 
Chose freely, what it now so justly rues. 
Me miserable ! which way shall I fly 
Infinite wrath, and infinite despair ? 
, Which way I fly is hell ; myself am hell : 75 

' And in the lowest deep a lower deep, 
Still threat'ning to devour me, opens wide, 
To which the hell I suffer seems a heaven. 
O then at last relent : is there no place 
Left for repentance, none for pardon lefl ? 80 

None left but by submission ; and that word 
Disdain forbids me, and my dread of shame 



BooklV.^ PARADISE LOST. 81 

Among the spirits beneath, whom I scduc'd 

With other promises and other vaunts 

Than to submit, boasting I could subdue 85 

Th' Omnipotent. Ay me, they httle know 

How dearly 1 abide that boast so vain, 

Under what torments inwardly I groan, 

While they adore me on the throne of hell. 

With diadem and sceptre high advanc'd, 90 

The lower still I fall, only supreme 

In misery ; such joy ambition finds. 

But say I could repent and could obtain 

By act of grace my former state ; how soon 94 

Would height recal high thoughts, how soon unsay 

What feign'd submission swore ! ease would recant 

Vows made in pain, as violent and void. 

For never can true reconcilement grow, 

"Where wounds of deadly hate have pierc'd so deep ; 

Which would but lead me to a worse relapse 100 

Arid heavier fall : so should I purchase dear 

Short intermission bought with double smart. 

This knows my punisher ; therefore as far 

From gi-anting he, as I from begging peace : 

All hope excluded thus, behold, instead 105 

Of us, outcast, exil'd, his new delight, 

Mankind, created, and for him this world. 

So farewell hope, and with hope farev/ell fear, 

Farewell remorse : all good to me is lest 5 

Evil be thou my good ; by thee at least 1 10 

Divided empire with heaven's King I hold, 

By thee, and more than half perhaps will reign ; 

As man ere long, and this new world shall know." 

Thus wliile he spake each passion dimm'd his face, 
Thrice chang'd with pale ire, envy, and despair ; llfi 
Wl^ich marr'd his borrow'd visage, and betray'd 
Him counterfeit, if any eye beheld : 
For heavenly minds from such distempers foul 
Are ever clear. Whereof he soon aware, 
Each purturbation smooth'd with outward calm, 120 
Artificer of fraud ! And was the first 
That practis'd falsehood, under saintly shov?' 
Deep malice to conceal, couch'd with revenge. 
Yet not enough had practis'd, to deceive 124 

Uriel once warn'd ; whose eye pursued him down 
The way he went, and on th' Assyrian mount 



82 PARADISE LOST. [Book IV 

Sav/- him disfigur'd, more than could befall 

Spirit of happy sort : his gestures fierce ' 

He mark'd, and mad demeanour, then alone, ^' 

As he suppos'd, all unobserv'd, unseen. 130 

So, on he fares ; and to the border comes 

Of Eden, where delicious Paradise, 

Now nearer, crowns with her inclosure green, 

As with a rural mound, the champaign head 

Of a steep wilderness ; whose hany sides 135 

With thicket overgrown, grotesque and wild. 

Access denied : and over head up-grew 

Insujierable height of loftiest shade, 

Cedar, and pine, and fir, and branching palm, 

A sylvan scene ! And, as the ranks ascend, 140 

Shade above shade, a woody theatre 

Of stateliest view. Yet higher than their tops 

The verdurous wall of Paradise up-sprung: 

Which to our general sire gave prospect large 

Into his nether empire, neighboring round. 145 

And higher than that wall a circling row 

Of goodliest trees, loaden with fairest frait, 

Blossoms, and fruits at once of golden hue, 

Appear'd, with gay enamel'd colours mix'd: 

On which the sun more glad impress'd his beams, 

Than in fair evening cloud, or humid bow, 151 

When God has shower'd the earth ; so lovely seem'd 

That landscape ! And of pure now purer air 

Meets his approach ; and to the heart inspires 

Vernal delight and joy, able to drive 155 

All sadness but despair : now gentle gales. 

Fanning their odoa-iferous wings, dispense 

Native perfumes, and whisper whence they stole 

Those balmy spoils. As when to them who sail 

Beyond the Cape of Hope, and now are past IfiO 

Mozambicj off at sea north-east winds blow 

Sabean odours, from the spicy shore 

Of Araby the bless'd, with such delay [league 

Well pleas'd they slack their course, and many a 

Cheer'd with the grateful smell old Ocean smiles : 

So entertained those odorous sweets the fiend, 166 

"Who came their bane; though with them better 

Than Asmodeus with the fishy fume [pleas'd 

That drove him, though enamour'd, from the spouse 

Of Tobit's son, and Avith a vengeance sent 170 

From Media post to Egypt, there fast bound. 



Book IV.] PARADISE LOST. 83 

Now to til' ascent of that steep savage hill 
Satan l\ad journey'd on, pensive and slow ; 
But further way found none, so thick intwin'd, 
As one continued brake, the undergrowth 176 

Of snrubs and tangling bushes had perplex'd 
All path of man or beast that pass'd that way. 
One gate there only was and that look'd east 
On th' other side ; which when th' arch-felon saw, 
Due entrance he disdain'd, and in contempt 180 

At one slight bound high overleap'd all bound 
Of hill, or highest wall, and sheer within 
Lights on his feet. As when a prowling wolf, 
Whom hunger drives to seek new haunt for prey. 
Watching where shepherds pen their flocks at eve, 
In hurdled cotes amid the field secure, 186 

Leaps o'er the fence with ease into the fold : 
Or as a thief, bent to unhoard the cash 
Of some rich burgher, whose substantial doors, 
Cross-barr'd and bolted fast, fear no assault, 19C 
[n atcthe window chmbs, or o'er the tiles : 
So clomb this first grand thief into God's fold ; 
So since into his church lewd hirelings climb ; 
Thence up he flew and on the tree of life, 
(The middle tree, and highest there that gi'ew,) 193 
Sat like a cormorant ; yet not true life 
Thereby regain'd, but sat devising death 
To them who liv'd : nor on the virtue thought 
Of that life-giving plant, but only us'd , 

For prospect, what well us'd had been the pledge 
Of immorte\Uty. So little knows 201 

Any, but God alone, to value right 
The good before him, but perverts best things 
To worst abuse, or to their meanest use. 
Beneath him, with new wonder, now he views, 205 
To all delight of human sense expos'd 
[n narrow room, nature's whole wealth, yea more, 
A heaven on earth ! For blissful Paradise 
Of God the garden was, by him m th' east 
Of Eden planted ; Eden stretch'd her line 210 

From Auran eastward to the' royal towers 
Of great Seleucia, built by Grecian kings, 
Or where the sons of Eden long before 
Dwelt in Telassar. In this pleasant soil 
His far more pleasant garden God ordain'd. 2 1 5 

Out of the fertile ground he oaus'd to grow 



84 PARADISE LOST. [Book If 

All trees of noblest kind, foi sight, smell, taste ; 
And till amid them stood the tree of life, 
High eminent, blooming ambrosial fruit 
Of vegetable gold: and next to life, 220 

Our death, the tree of knowledge, grew fast by ; 
Knowledge of good bouc^ht dear by knowing ill ! . 
Southward tln-ough Eden went a river large, /.) 

Nor chang'd his course, but through the shaggy hili 
Pass'd underneath ingulPd ; for God had thrown '22t' 
That mountain as his garden moukl, high rais'd 
Upon the rapid current, which through veins 
Of porous earth, with kindly thirst updrawn, 
Rose a fresh fountain, and with many a rill 
Watered the garden ; thence united fell 230 

Down the steep glade, and met the nether flood, 
Which from his darksome passage now appears : 
And now divided into four main streams, 
Runs diverse, wand'ring many a famous realm 
And country, whereof he needs.no account : 2^5 

But rather to tell, (if art could tell e 

HoWj^ from sapphire fount the crisped brooks 
Rolling on orient pearls, and sands of gold. 
With mazy error under pendent shades 
Ran nectar, visiting each plant, and fed 24t' 

Flowers worthy of Paradise, which not nice art 
In beds and curious knots, but nature boon 
Pour'd forth profuse on hill, and dale, and plain. 
Both where the morning sun first warmly smot( 
The open field, and where the umpierc'd shade 24^ 
Imbi'own'd the noon-tide bowers. Thu3 was thi.s 
A happy rui'al seat of various views : [place, 

Groves where rich trees wept odorous gums and 

balm ; 
Others whose fruit, burnish'd with golden rind. 
Hung amiable : Hesperian fables true, 250 

If true, here only, and of delicious taste. 
Betwixt them lawns, or level downs, and flocks 
Grazing the tender herb, were interpos'd : 
Or palmy hillock, or the flowery lap 
Of Bome irriguous valley spread her store ; 2.5 fi 

Flowers of all hue, and without thorn the rose. 
Another side, umbrageous grots, and caves 
Of cool recsss, o'er which the mantling vin ^ 

Lays forth her purple grape, and gently creeps • 
Luxuriant : meanwhile murm'ring waters fall 2G0 



Book /r.J PARADISE LOST. 85 

Down the slope hills, dispers'd, or in a lake, 

That to the fringed bank with myrtle crown'd 

Her crystal mirror holds, unite their streams. 

The birds their choir apply : airs vernal airs, 

Breathing the smell of field and gi-ove, attune 205 

The trembling leaves, while universal Pan, 

Knit with ihe Graces, and the Hours, in dance, 

Led on tb' eternal spring. Not that fair field 

Of Enna, where Proserpine gathering flowers, 

Herself a fairer flower, by gloomy Dis 270 

Was gather'd ; which cost Ceres all that pain 

To seek her thro' the world ; nor that sweet grove 

Of Daphne by Orontes, and th' inspir'd 

Castalian s|3ring, might with this Paradise 

Of Eden strive • nor that Nyseian isle 276 

Girt with the river Triton, where old Cham, 

Whom Gentiles Ammon call, and Libyem Jove, 

Hid Amalthea, and her florid son. 

Young Bacchus, from his stepdame Rhea's eye ; 

Nor where Abassin kings their issue guard, 230 

Mount Amara, though this be some suppos'd 

True Paradise, under the Ethiop line 

By Nilus' head, enclos'd with shining rock, 

A whole day's journey high, but wide remote 

From this Assyrian garden, where the fiend 285 

Saw undelighted all delight, all kind 

Of living creatures new to sight and strange. 

Two of far nobler shape, erect and tall, 
Godlike erect, with native honour clad, 
In naked majesty seem'd lords of all, 290 

And worthy seem'd ; for in their looks divine 
The image of their glorious Maker shone. 
Truth, wisdom, sanctitude severe and pure, 
(Severe, but in true filial freedom plac'd,) 
Whence true authority in men ; though both 205 
Not equal,' as their sex not equal seem'd ; 
For contemplation he and valour form'd, 
For softness she and sweet attractive grace, 
He for God only, she for God in him. 
His fair large front and eye sublime declar'd 300 
Absolute rule ; and hyacinthine locks 
Round from his partea forelock manly hung 
Clust'ring, but not beneath his shoulders broad: 
She, as a veil, down to the slender waist 
S 



86 PARADISE LOST. [Book IK 

Her unadorned golden iresses wore 305 

Dishevell'd, but in wanton ringlets wav'd 

As the vine curls her tendrils, which implie ; 

Subjection, but requir'd with gentle sway 

And by her yielded, by him best receiv'd, 

Yielded with coy submission, modest pride, 310 

And sweet reluctant amorous delay. 

Nor those mysterious parts were then conceal'd ; 

Theh was not guilty shame, dishonest shame 

Of nature's works, nonour dishonourable ; 

Sin-bred, how have ye troubled all mankind 315 

With shows instead, mere shows of seeming pure, 

And banish'd from man's life his happiest life. 

Simplicity and spotless innocence ! 

So pass'd they naked on, nor shunn'd the sight 

Of God or angel, for they thought no ill : 320 

So hand in hand they pass'd, the loveliest pair 

That ever since in love's embraces met ; 

A-dam, the goodliest man of men since born 

His sons ; the fairest of her daughters. Eve. 

Under a tuft of sliade, that on a green 325 

Stood whisp'ring soft, by a fresh fountain side, 

They sat them down : and, after no more toil 

Of their sweet gard'ning labour than suffic'd 

To recommend cool Zephyr, and make ease 

More easy, wholesome tJiirst and appetite 330 

More grateful, to their supper fruits they fell, 

Nectarine fruits whTch the compliant boughs 

Yielded them, sidelong as they sat recline 

On the soft downy bank damask'd with flowers : 

The savoury pulp they chew, and in the rind 335 

Still as they thirsted scoop the brimming stream ; 

Nor gentle purpose nor endearing smiles 

Wanted, nor youthful dalliance, as beseems 

Fair couple, Imk'd in happy nuptial league, 

A-lone as they. About them frisking play'd 340 

A.U beasts of th' earth, since wild, and of all chase, 

[n wood or wilderness, forest or den ; 

Sporting the lion ramp'd, and in bis paw 

Dandled the kid • bears, tigers, ounces, pards, 

Gambol'd before them ; the unwieldy elephant, 34 b 

To make them mirth, us'd all his might, and wreath'd 

His lithe proboscis ; close the serjient sly 

Insinuating, wove with Gordian twine 

His braided train, and of his fatal guile 



Book IV.] PARADISE LOST. > 87 

Gave proof unheeded ; others on the grass 350 

Couch'd, and, nov/ fiU'd with pasture, gazing sat, 
Or bedv/ard ruminating ; for the sun 
Declin'd was hasting now with prone career 
To th' ocean isles, and in th' ascending scale 
Of heaven the stars that usher evening rose : 355 
When Satan, still in gaze as first he stood, 
5j«carce thus at length fail'd speech recover'd sad : 

" O hell ! what do mine eyes with grief behold ? 
Into our room of bliss thus high advanc'd 
Creatiu'es of other mould ; earth-born perhaps, 360 
Not spirits ; yet to heavenly spirits bright 
Little inferior ; whom my thoughts pui-sue 
With wonder, and could love, so lively shines 
In them divine resemblance, and such grace 
The hand that fovm.'d them on their shape hath 
pour'd. 365 

A.h, gentle pair ! ye little think how nigh 
your change approaches ; when all these deh'ghts 
Will vanish, and deliver ye to wo ; 
More wo, the more your taste is now of joy : 
Happy ! but for so happy ill secur'd 370 

Long to continue ; and this high seat your heaven, 
Ill-fenc'd for heaven, to keep out such a foe 
As now is enter'd : yet no purpos'd foe 
To you, whom I could pity thus forlorn. 
Though I unpitied. League with you I seek, 375 
And mutual amity, so strait, so close. 
That I with you must dwell, or you with me 
Henceforth : my dwelling haply may not please, 
Like this fair Pai-adise, your sense ; yet such 
Accept your Maker's work ; He gave it me, 380 
Which I as freely give : hell shall unfold, 
To entertain you two, her widest gates. 
And send forth all her kings : there will be room, 
(Not like these narrow limits,) to receive 
Your numerous offspring : if no better place, 385 
Thank him who puts me loath to this revenge 
On you, who wrong'd me not, for him who wrong'd. 
And should I at your harmless innocence 
Melt, (as I do,) yet public reason just. 
Honour and empire with revenge enlarg'd, 390 

By conqu'ring this new world, compels me now 
To do, what else (though damn'd) I should abhor." 



88 PARADISE LOST. [Book D 

So spake the fiend, and with necessity, 
(The tyrant's plea,) excus'd his devilish deeds. 
Then from his lofty stand on that high tree, 395 
Down he alights among the sportful herd 
Of those four-footed kinds ; himself now one, 
Now other, as their shape serv'd best his end 
Nearer to view his prey, and unespied 393 

To mark what of their state he more might leam 
By word or action mark'd : about them round 
A lion now he stalks with fiery glare ; 
Then as a tiger, who by chance hath spied, 
[n some purlieu, two gentle fawns at play. 
Strait couches close, then rising changes oft . 405 
His couchant watch, as one who chose his ground. 
Whence rushing he might surest seize them both, 
Grip'd in each paw : when Adam, first of men, 
To first of women, Eve, thus moving speech, 
Turn'd him, all ear, to hear nev/ utterance flow: 410 

" Sole partner, and sole part of all these joys! 
Dearer thyself than all : needs must the power 
That made us, and for us this ample world, 
Be infinitely good, and of his good 
As liberal, and free as infinite ; 415 

That rais'd us from the dust, and plac'd us here 
In all this happiness, who at his hand 
Have nothing merited, nor can perform 
Ought wliereof he hath need : he who requires 
^^rom us no other service than to keep 420 

This one, this easy charge, * Of all the trees 
In Paradise that bear delicious fruit 
So various, not to taste that only tree 
Of knowledge, planted by the tree of life .' 
So near grows death to life ! whate'er death is ; 425 
Some dreadful thing no doubt : for well thou know'st 
God hath pronounc'd it death to taste that tree, 
The only sign of our obedience left. 
Among so many signs of power and rule, 
Confer'd upon us ; and domhiion given 430 

Over all other creatures that possess 
Earth, air, and sea. Then let us not think hard 
One easy prohibition, who enjoy 
Free leave so large to all things else, and choice 
UnUmited of manifold delights: 436 

But let us ever praise him, and extol 



Book IV.] PARADISE LOST. 89 

His bounty, fdlowing cur delightful task, 

To prune these growing plants, and tend these 

flowers; 
Which wore it toilsome, yet with thee were sweet." 

To whom thus Eve replied : " O thou for whom, 
And from whom, I was form'd ; flesh of thy flesh ; 
And without whom am to no end ; my guide 442 
And head ! what Uiou hast said is just and right. 
For we to him indeed all praisfes owe, 
And daily thanks ; I chiefly, who enjoy 44r. 

So far the happier lot, enjoying thee 
Pre-eminent by so much odds ; while thou 
Like consort to thyself canst no where find. 
That day I oft remember, when from sleep 
I first awak'd, and founa myself repos'd 450 

Under a shade on flowers ; much wond'ring where 
And what I was, whence thither brought, and how. 
Not distant far from thence a murmu'ring sound 
Of waters issued from a cave, and spread 
Into a liquid plain, then stood unmov'd, 455 

Pure as th' expanse of heaven : I tliither went, 
With unexperienc'd thought, and laid me down 
On the green bank, to look into the clear 
Smooth lake, that to me seem'd another sky. 
As I bent down to look, just opposite 460 

A shape within the wat'ry gleam appear'd, 
Bending to look on me : I started back ; 
It started back : but pleas'd I soon return'd ; 
Pleas'd it return'd as soon ; with answering looks 
Of sympathy and love : there I had fix'd 4G5 

Mine eyes till now, and pin'd with vain desire, 
Had not a voice thus warn'd me : ' What thou seest. 
What there thou seest, fair creature, is thyself,- 
With thee it came and goes : but follow me, 
And I will bring thee where no shadow stays 470 
rhy coming, and thy soft embraces ; he 
Whose image thou art : him thou shalt enjoy, 
inseparably thine, to him shalt bear 
Multitudes like thyself, and thence be call'd 
Mother of human race.' What could I do 475 

But follow straight, invisibly thus led 
Till I espied thee, fair indeed, and tall. 
Under a platain ; yet, metliought, less fair, 
Less winning soft, less amiablv mild 
8* 



90 PARADISE LOST \Bookir 

Than that smooth wat'ry image : back J tunvd ; 480 
Thou following cried'st i\loud, ' Return, fair Eve, 
Whom fliest tliou ? Whom thou flicst, of him ihou art, 
His flesh, his bone ; to give thee being I lent 
Out of my side to thee, nearest my heart, 
Substantial life, to have thee by my side 4^^ 

Henceforth an individual solace dear: 
Part of my soul I seek thee ; and thee claim, 
My other 'half.' — With that, tliy gentle hand 
Seiz'd mine ; I yielded ; and from that time see 
How beauty is excell'd by manly gi-ace, 490 

And -wisdom, which alone is truly fair." 

So spake our general mother ; and with eyes 
Of conjugal attraction unreprov'd. 
And meek surrender, half embracing lean'd 
On our first father : half her swelling breast 495 

Naked met his, under tlie flowing gold 
Of her loose tresses hid : he in delight 
Both of her beauty and submissive charms, 
Smil'd with superior love ; as Jupiter 
On Juno smiles, when he impregns the clouds, 500 
That shed May flowers ; and pressed her matron lip 
With kisses pure ; aside the Devil turn'd 
For envy, yet with jealous leer malign 
Eyed them askance ; and to himself tlius plain'di 

" Sight hateful, sight tormenting ! Thus these t^^o, 
Imparadis'd in one another's arms, 506 

(The happier Eden !) shall enjoy their fill 
Of bliss on bliss : while I to helf am thrust, 
Where neither joy nor love, but fierce desire, 
Amongst our other torments not the least, 510 

Still unfulfiird with pain of longing, pmes. 
Vet let me not forget what I have gain'd 
Prom their o^vn mouths : all is not theirs it seems : 
One fatal tree there stands of knowledge cal I'd, 
Forbidden them to taste. Knowledge forbidden? 
Suspicious, reasonless. "V^^^y should their Lord 51C 
Envy them tliat ? Can it be sin to know ? 
Can'it be death? And do they only stand 
By ignorance ? Is tliat their happy state, 
The proof of their obedience and their faith ? 520 
fair foundation laid whereon to build 
Their rum ! Hence I will excite their minds 



Book IT\] PARADISi: LOST. 91 

With more desire to know, and to reject 

Envious commands, invented with design 524 

To keep them low, wliom knowledge might exalt 

Equal with gods : aspiring to be such, 

They taste and die : what likelier can ensue ? 

But first, with narrow search I must walk round 

This garden, and no corner leave unspied ; 

A chance but chance may lead where I may meet 530 

Some wand'ring spirit of heaven by fountain side 

Or in tiuck shade retir'd, from him to draw 

What further would be learn'd. Live wiiile ye may, 

Yet happy pair ! Enjoy, till I return. 

Short pleetsures ; for long woes are to succeed !" 535 

So saying, his proud step he scornful tum'd, 
But with sly circumspection, and began. 
Through wood, through waste, o'er hill, o'er dale, his 

roam, 
Meanwhile in utmost longitude, where heaven 
With earth and ocean meets, the setting sun 540 
Slowly descended ; and with right aspect 
Against the eastern gate of Paradise 
Leveird his evening rays : it was a rock 
Of alabaster, pil'd up to the clouds, 
Conspicuous far ; winding with one ascent 545 

Accessible from earth, one entrance high : 
The rest was craggy cliff, that overhung 
Still as it rose, impossible to climb. 
Betwixt these rocky pillars Gabriel sat, 
Chief of th' angelic guards, awaiting night: 550 

About him exercis'd heroic games 
Th' unarm'd youth of heaven ; but nigh at hand 
Celestial armoury, shields, helms, and spears, 
Hung high with diamond flaming, and with gold. 
Tliither came Uriel, gliding through the even 555 
On a sun-beam, swift as a shooting star 
In autumn thwarts the night, when vapours fir'd 
Impress the air, and shows the mariner 
From what point of his compeiss to beware 
Impetuous winds : he thus began in haste : 560 

" Gabriel ! To thee thy course by lot hath given 
Charge, and strict watch, that to this happy plaoe 
No evil thing approach, or enter in. 
This day, at height of noon, came to my sphere 



92 PARADISE LOST. [Book IV 

A spirit ; zealous, as he seem'd, to know 566 

More of til' Almighty's work; and chiefly man, 

God's latest image : I describ'd his way, 

Bent all on speed, and mark'd his airy gait : 

But, in the mount that lies from Eden north, 

Where he first lighted, soon discern'd his looks 670 

Alien ft-om heaven, with passions foul obscur'd : 

Mine eye pursued him still, but under shade 

Lost sight of him. One of the banish'd crew, 

I fear, hath ventur'd from the deep, to raise 

New troubles ; him thy care must be to find." 67fi 

To whom the winged warrior thus return'd : 
" Uriel ! No wonder if thy perfect sight. 
Amid the sun's bright circle, where thou sitt'st, 
See far and wide : in at this gate none pass 
The vigilance here plac'd, but such as come 580 

Well known from heaven ; and since meridian hour 
No creature thence : if spirit of other sort. 
So minded, have o'erleap'd these earthy bounds 
On purpose, hard thou know'st it to exclude 
Spiritual substance with corporeal bar. 5S5 

But, if within the circuit of these walks, 
[n whatsoever shape he lurk, of whom 
Thou tell'st, by morrow dawning I shall know." 

So promis'd he : and Uriel to his charge [rais'd, 
Return'd, on that bright beam, whose point now 
Bore him slope downward to the sun, now fallen 591 
Beneath th' Azores : whither the prime orb, 
Incredible how swift, had thither roll'd 
Diurnal ; or this less voluble earth. 
By shorter flight to th' east, had left him tliere, 595 
Arraying with reflected purple and gold 
The clouds tha^ oii nis western throne attend. 

Now came still evening on, and twilight grey 
Had in her sober livery all things clad : 
Silence accompanied ; for beast, and bird, 600 

They to their grassy couch, these to their nests, 
Were slunk ; all but the wakeful nightingale ; 
She all night long her amorous descant sung ; 
Silence was pleas'd : now glow'd the £vmament 
With living sapphires ; Hesperus, thai led 605 

The starry host, rode biioluc-t ; till the moon 



Bookir.] PARADISE LOST. 93 

Rising in clouded majesty, at length, 
Apparent queen, unveil'd her peerless light, 
A.nd o'er tiie dark her silver mantle threw. 

When Adam thus to Eve : " Fair consort] tlv iiour 
Of night, and all things now retir'd to rest, 61 1 

Mind us of like repose ; since God hath set 
Labour and rest, as day and night, to men 
Successive ; and the timely dew of sleep. 
Now falling with soft slumb'rous weight, inclines 
Our eyelids; other creatures all day long 616 

Rove idle, unemploy'd, and less need rest : 
Man hath his daily work of body, or mind, 
Appointed, which declares his dignity. 
And the regard of heaven on all his ways ; 620 

While other animals unactive range ; 
And of their doings God takes no account. 
To-morrow, ere fresh morning streak the east 
With first approach of light, we must be risen, 
And at our pleasant labour, to reform 625 

Yon fioweiy arbours ; yonder alleys green, 
Our walk at noon, with branches overgro^vn : 
That mock our scant manuring, and require 
More hands than ours to lop their wanton growth : 
Those blossoms also, and those dropping gums, 630 
That lie bestrown, unsightly and unsmooth, 
Ask riddance, if we mean to tread with ease: 
Meanwhile, as natiure wills, night bids us rest." 

To whom thus Eve, with perfect beauty adorn'd . 
" My author, and disposer ! What thou bid'st 635 
Unargued I obey ; so God ordains : 
God is thy law, thou mine ; to know no more 
Is woman's happiest knowledge and her praise. 
With thee conversing I forget all time ; 
All seasons and their change, all please alike : 640 
Sweet is the breath of morn, her rising sweet, 
With charm of earliest birds : pleasant the sun, 
When first on this delightful land he spreads 
His orient beams, on herH, tree, fruit, and flower, 
Glist'ring with dew : fragrant the fertile earth 645 
After soft showers : and sweet the coming on 
Of grateful evening mild : then silent night. 
With this her solemn bird, and this fair moon, 
And these the gems of heaven, her starry trains 



94 PARADISE LOST. [Book IV 

But neither breath of morn, wlven she ascends 650 

With charm of earliest birds : nor rising sim 

On this deUghtful land : nor herb, fmit, flowei, 

Glist'ring with dew : nor fragrance after showers . 

Nor grateful evening mild : nor silent night, 

With this her solemn bird : nor walk by moon, 655 

Or glitt'ring starlight, without thee is sweet. 

But wherefore all night long shine these ? For whom 

This glorious sight, when sleep hatli shut all eyes ?" 

To whom our general ancestor replied : 
"Daughter of God and man, accomplish'd Eve, 660 
These have their course to finish round the earth 
By morrow evening, and from land to land 
In order, though to nations yet unborn, 
Minist'ring light prepar'd, they set and rise ; 
Lest total darkness should by night regain G63 

Her old possession, and extinguish life 
In nature and all things, which these soft fires 
Not only enlighten, but with kindly heat 
Of various influence foment and warm. 
Temper or nourish, or in part shed down 670 

Their stellar virtue on all kinds that gi-ow 
On earth, made hereby apter to receive 
Perfection from the sun's more potent ray. 
These then, though unbeheld in deep of night, 674 
Shine not in vain ; nor think, tho' men were none, 
That heaven would want spectators, God want praise, 
MilUons of spiritual creatures walk the earth 
Unseen, both when we wake and when we sleep : 
Ail these with ceaseless praise his works behold 
Both day and night. How often, from the steep 680 
Of echoing hill, or thicket, have we heard 
Celestial voices, to the midnight air, 
Sole, or responsive each to others note, 
Singing the great Creator? ofl in bands 684 

While they keep watch, or nightly rounding walk, 
With heavenly touch of instrumental sounds, 
In full harmonic number join'd, their songs 
Divide the night, and lift our tlioughts to heaven." 

Thus talking, hand in hand alone they pass'd 
On to their blissful bower : it was a place 690 

Chosen by the sov'reign Planter, when he fram'd 
A.11 things to man's delightful use : the roof, 




Back IF.] PARADISE LOST. 95 

Of thieJEfit eartn, was iawor&n shade^ 
LoorI aad wajrUe ; and what hi^er ziew, 
OffammmA Izagrant leaf: on either side ^5 

JLtBUutUBf and cacsMOBMBi iMaaT abruij^ 
FaK'd Tq> die widaot w«H: cack'keaoceoi 
bis all hufea, n 
Reard higk 

▼iokt, 
^SneaafaadhywoBA, -with nth bdajr 
Broider^dtheyiiiMil; ■ureeoicMrttknwkki 
OfeottfiesteMbica: ockercreatHckercj 
Beast, bkd, ioHet, or warm, dont eatgraame ; 
Swkwastfieiiranreornam! Uufaadaer bover 705 
More Bcred, aad Mi{aatei^ tlnagfa bat feigpa'd, 
Psin, or Syiraaai^ ■ncr nepc , nor ajaKphj 
Nor Faunmi^ Ivnted. £[^e^ ia dose reeea^ 
Wi± "—— T^rkuHiiy and sweet SBMffiBff hobs, 
Esi- eetE'dfintlKraqftaaibcd: 710 

Anc . -,^ :iioindK 
Whax <iav uic geaial aagtllo 
6ron?hr. ^^r. in aaked faeaatf aure adan^d, 
13. Paadiaa; adHat dK gods 
.Jlkdrgifts(aMl0^lm»iaK 715 
^rbea to tk* 
Oi' J .- 1: fay QaraKSy ^le 

Ma. . ..er fair inoksy lo be aveufd 

On him who had state Jow^ aathnnir fee. 

Ttesy at tfadir sfaady lodge armM, boCk Aood, 
Both ttini'd, aad ander opea Aj ador^ 

The God that a wd cak^, ' 



Wlifd&tfcejl 

Andstarrrpaie; ^ Tkoa ako aaid^ tbe aighc. 
Maker ai^^! aad thoa Ike <fckr. ^^72.5 
Wkidk we ai aariqpinaled work cnpioy'd 



Aad ■alBal kMc, Ike crowa of aft oai^H 

Ordaia'd br Ikee; aad ikis ddiaaaa ffaee^ 

For OS loo large ; -aknr rtij ih—liiaf < ■ iwr ■ 73n 

P^vtakerSy and anenooyd fidb to tke grotiod. 

Bat tkoakast|siiaiii*dft— aatwoaraee 

To £11 the carta, wkoakall wkk aa ezroi 



Thy ^xKinesB fafaatr, betk wkea we wake, 
Aad wkea we ardk, aa bow, tkj gift of ^leer. 



9B FARAIHSE LOST. [Book IV 

This sAid urtanimoius, and other rites 
Olisorviii^ none, but adoration pure. 
Which God likes best, into tlicir inmost bower 
Handed they went ; and eas'd the putting olT 
These troublesome disirnises wliich we wear, 7-lt) 
Straiirht side by side were laid : nor turnM, 1 ween, 
Adam from his lair spouse ; nor Eve the rites 
Mysterious of con.nubial love rcfusM : 
Wliatever hypocrites austerely talk 
Of mnity, aiia place, and innocence : 745 

Oetamin*; as impure wliat God declares 
Pure ; and commands to some, leaves free to all. 
Our Maker bids increase ; who bids abstain, 
But our destroyer, foe to God and man ? 
Hail, wedded love ! mysterious law, true source 750 
Of human offspring, sole propriety 
In Paradise! of .all thinifs common else. 
By thee adulterous lust was driven from men, 
Among the bestial herds to range ; by thee, 
Founded in reason, loyal. Just, and pure, 755 

Relations dear, and all the charities 
Of father, son, and brother, first were known. 
Far be it, that I should write thee sin, or blame! 
Or think thee vuibefitting holiest place ; 
Perpetual fountain of domestic sweets ! 760 

Whose bed is undefil'd, and chaste, pronounced, 
Present, or past ; as saints and patriarchs us'd. 
Here Love his golden shatYs emnloys, hero, liglits 
His constAut lamp; and waves nis" purple wings; 
Reig^ns here, and revels : not in the Lxmght snr^le 
Of harlots, loveless, joyless, unendcard;^ 76G 

Casual fniition ! nor in court amours, 
Mix'd dance, or wanton mask, or midnight ball, 
Or serenade, which the stavv'd lover sings 
To his proud fi\ir; best quilted M-ith disdain. 770 
These, lull'd by nightingales, embracing slept j 
And on their naked limbs the flowery roof 
ShowerVi roses, which the morn repaired. Sleep on, 
Bless'd pair ; and O yet happiest, if ye seek 
No happier state, and know to know no mow, 775 

Now had nigh.t measur'd with her sliadowy cone 
Half-w^y up hill this vast sublunar vault : 
And from their ivory port t.he cJierubim 
Forth issuing at tli' accustom'd hour, stood arm*d 



Book IV.] PARADISE LOHl. 97 

To their niglit watches in warlike parade, 7fM 

When Gabriel to his next in power thas spake : 

" Uzziel ! half these draw off, and coast the south 
With strictest watch : these other wheel the north : 
Our circuit meets full west.'* As flame they f,>aif, 
Elalf wheeling to the shield, half to the spear. 785 
From these, two strong and subtle spirits he call'd, 
That near him stood, and gave them thus in charge : 

'* Ithuriel, and Zcphon ! with wing'd speed 
Search thro' this garden, leave unsearch'd no nook 
But chiefly where those two fair creatures lodi^f;, 790 
Nov/ laid perhaps asleep, secure of harm. 
This evenmg from the sun's decline arriv'd, 
Who tells of some infernal spirit, seen 
Hitherwj.ra bent, (who coula have tho'jght ?) escap'd 
The bars of hell ; on errand bad, no doubt: 795 

Such, where ye find, seize fast, and hither bring.'* 

So saying, on he led his radiant files, 
Dazzling the moon : these to the bower direct, 
In search of whom they sought : him there they 

found, 
Squat like a toad, close at the ear of Eve ; 800 

Assaying, by his devilish art, to reach 
The organs of her fancy, and v/ith them forge 
Illusions, as he list, phantoms, and dreams : 
Or if, inspiring venom, he might taint 
Th' animal spirits, that from pure blood arise, 805 
Like gentle breaths from rivers pure ; theuce raise 
At least distemper'd, discontented thoughts ; 
Vain hopes, vam aims, inordinate desires. 
Blown up with high conceits en^end'ring pride. 
Him thiis intent Ithuriel with his spear 810 

Touch'd lightly ; for no falsehood can endure 
Touch of celestial temper, but returns 
Of force to its own likeness ; up he starts, 
Discover'd and surpris'd. As when a spark 
Lights on a heap of nitrous powder, laid 815 

Fit" for the tun, some magazme to store 
Against a rumour'd war, the smutty grain 
With sudden blaze diflfos'd, inflames the air : 
So started up in his own shape the fiend- 
Back stcpp'd those two fair angels, half amaz'd, 820 
9 



98 PARADISE LOST. [Book If 

So siidden to behold the ijrisly king ; 

Yet thus, unmov'd with fear, accost him soon : 

"Which of those rebel spirits, adjudg'd to liell, 
Com'st tliou, cscap'd thy prison ? and transform'd 
W]\y sat'st thou, like an enemy in wait, 825 

Here watciung at the head of tliese that sleep?" 

"Know ye not then," said Satan, fill'd with sconn 
" Know ye not me ? ye knew me once no mate 
For you • there sitting where ye durst not soar : 
Not to know nie argues yourselves unknown, 830 
The lowest of your throng: or if ye know, 
Why ask ye, and superfluous begin 
Your message, like to end as much in vain ?" 

To whom thus Zephon, answering scorn with scorn 
" Think not revolted spirit, thy shape the same, 835 
Or undiminished brightness, to be known 
As when thou stood'st in heaven, upright and nure 
That glory then, when thou no more wast good, 
Departed from thee ; and thou resemblest now 
Thy sin, and place of doom, obscure and foul. 840 
But come ; for thou, be sure, shalt give account 
To him who sent us, whose charge is to keep 
This place inviolable, and these from harm." 

So spake the cherub ; and his grave rebuke, 
Severe in youthful beauty, added grace 845 

Invincible : abash'd the t)evil stood. 
And felt how awful goodness is, and saw 
Virtue in her shape now lovely ; saw, and pin'd 
His loss : but chiefly to find here observ'd 
His lustre visibly impair'd ; yet seem'd 850 

Undaunted. " If I must contend," said he, 
"Best with tlie best, tlie sender not the sent, 
Or all at once ; more glory will be won. 
Or less be lost." " Thy fear," said Zephon bold, 
"Will save us trial what the least can do 855 

Single against thee wicked, and thence weak." 

The fiend replied not, overcome with rage ; 
But like a proud steed rein'd, went haughty on 
Champing his iron curb : to strive or fly 
He held it vain ; .iwe from above had queli'd 860 



Book ir.] PARADISR LOST. 99 

His heart, not else dismay'd. Now drew they nigh 
The western point, where those half-rounding guards 
Just met, and dosing stood in squadron join'd. 
Awaiting next command. To whom their chief, 
Gabriel, from the front thus call'd aloud ; 865 

** O friends, I hear the tread of nimble feet 

Hasting this way, and now by glimpse discern 

Ithuriel and Zepiion through the shade, 

And with them comes a third of regal port, 

But faded splendour wan ; who, by his gait 870 

And iicrce demeanour, seems the prince of hell, 

Not likely to pi\rt hence without contest ; 

Stand firm, for in his look defiance lowers." 

He scarce had ended, when those two approach'd, 
And brief related v/hom they brought, where found, 
How busied, in what form and posture couch'd. 876 

To whom with stem regard thus Gabriel spake : 
'•Why hast thou, Satan, broke the bounds prescrib'd 
To thy transgressions, and disturb'd the charge 
Of others, who approve not to transgress 880 

By thy example, but have power and right 
To question thy bold entrance on this place ; 
Empioy'd it seems to violate sleep, and those 
Whose dwelling God hath planted here in bliss?" 

To whom thus Satan with contemptuous brow : 
" Gabriel, thou hadst in heaven th' esteem of wise, 
And such I held thee ; but this qu-istion ask'd 887 
Puts me in doubt. Lives there who loves his pain ? 
Who would not, finding way, break loose from hell, 
Though thither doom'd ? Thou wouldst thyself, no 
doubt, 890 

And boldly venture to whatever place 
Farthest from pain, where thou might'st hope to 

change 
Torment with ease, and soonest recompense 
Dole with delight, which in this place I sought j 
To thee no reason, who know'st only good, 895 

But evil hast not tried ; and wilt object 
His will who bound us? let him surer bar 
His iron gates, if he intends our stay 
(n tliat dark durance : thu.s much what was afik'd. 



100 PARADISE LOST. [BooJcIV 

The rest is true, they found me where they say ; 900 
But that implies not violence or harm." 

Thus he in scorn. The warlike angel mov'd, 
Disdainfully, half-smiling, thus replied : 
" O loss of one in heaven to judge of wise, 
Since Satan fell, whom folly overthrew, 905 

And now returns him from his prison scap'd, 
Gravely in doubt whether to hold them wise 
Or not, who ask what boldness brought him hither 
Cnlicens'd, from his bounds in hell prescrib'd ; 
So wise he judges it to fly from pain 910 

However, and to scape his punishment. 
So judge thou still, presumptuous, till the wrath, 
Which thou incurr'st by flying, meet thy flight 
Sevenfold, and scourge that wisdom back to hell. 
Which taught thee yet no better, that no pain 915 
Can equal anger infinite provok'd. 
But wherefore thou alone ? wherefore with thee 
Came not all hell broke loose ? is pain to them 
Less pain, less to be fled ? or thou than they 
Less hardy to endure ? Courageous chief, 920 

The first in flight from pain, hadst thou alleg'd 
To thy deserted host this cause of flight, 
riiou sui-ely hadst not come sole fugitive." 

To which the fiend thus answer'd, frowning stern : 
" Not that I less endure, or shrink from pain, 925 
Insulting angel : well thou know'st I stood 
Thy fiercest, when in battle to thy aid 
The blasting vollied thunder made all speed, 
And seconded thy else not dreaded spear : 
But still thy words at random, as before, 930 

A.rgue thy inexperience what behoves, 
From hard assays and ill successes past, 
A faithful leader, not to hazard all 
Through ways of danger by himself untried . 
I, therefore, I alone first undertook 935 

To wing the desolate abyss, and spy 
This new created world, whereof in hell 
Fame is not silent, here in hope to find 
Belter abode, and my afflicted powers 
To settle here on earth, or in mid air ; 940 

Though for possession put to try once more 
What thou and thy gay legions dare against ; 



Book rV.] PARADISE LOST. 101 

Whose easier business were lo serve their Loid 
High up in heaven, with songs to hymn his throne, 
And practis'd distances to cringe, not fight." 945 

To whom the warrior angel soon replied : 
" To say and straight unsay, pretending first 
Wise to fly pain, srofessing next the spy. 
Argues no 'eader out a liar trac'd, 
Satan, and couldst thou faithful add ? O name 950 
O sacred name of faithfulness profan'd ! 
Faithful to whom? to thy rebellious crew? 
Army of fiends, fit body to fit head. 
Was this your discipline and faith engag'd, 
Y'our military obedience, to dissolve 955 

Allegiance to th' acknowledg'd power supreme ? 
Andthou, sly hypocrite ! who now wouldst seem 
Patron of liberty, who more than thou 
Once fawn'd and cring'd, and servilely ador'd 
Heaven's awful monarch ? wherefore, but in hope 
To dispossess him, and thyself to reign ? 961 

But mark what I areed thee now — Avaunt ; 
Fly thither whence tkou fledst : if from this hour 
Within these haliow'd limits thou appear, 
Back to th' infernal pit I drag thee chain'd, 965 

And seal thee so, as henceforth not to scorn 
The facile gates of hell too slightly barr'd." 

So threaten'd he ; but Satan to no threats 
Gave heed, but waxing more in rage, replied : 

" Then when I am thy captive talk of chains, 970 
Proud limitary cherub, but ere then 
Far heavier load tnyself expect to feel 
From my prevailing arm ; though heaven's King 
Ride on thy wings, and thou with thy compeers, 
Us'd to the yoke, draw'st his triumphant wheels 975 
In progress through the road of heaven star-pav'd.'' 

While thus he spake, th' angelic squadron bright 
Turn'd fiery red, sharp'ning in mooned horns 
Their phalanx, and began to iiem him round 
With ported spears, as thick as when a field 980 
Of Ceres ripe for harvest waving bends 
Her bearded groves of ears, which way the wind 
Sways them J the careful ploughman doubting- stands, 
9* 



i02 PABADISE LOST. [Book I y 

Lest on the threshing-floor his hopeful sfieaves 
Prove chaff. On th' other side, Satan, alarm'd, 985 
Collecting all his might, dilated stood, 
Like TenerifT or Atlas unremov'd : 
His stature reach'd the sky, and on his crest 
Sat horror plum'd ; nor wanted in his grasp 
What seem'd both spear and shield. Now dreadful 
deeds 990 

Might have ensu'd ; nor only Paradise 
In this commotion, but the starry cope 
Of heaven perhaps, or all the elements, 
At least had gone to wrack, disturb'd, and torn 
With violence of this conflict, had not soon 995 

Th' Eternal, to prevent such liorrid fray, 
Hun^ forth in heaven his golden scales, yet seen 
Betwixt Astrea and tlie Scorpion sign. 
Wherein all things created first he Aveigh'd, 
The pendulous round earth with balanc'd air 1000 
In counterpoise, now ponders all events, 
Battles and realms : in these he put two weights, 
The sequel each of parting and of fight ; 
The latter quick up flev/, and kick'd the beam j 
Which Gabi-iel spying, thus bespake the fiend : 1 005 

"Satan, I Imow thy strength, and thou know'sl 
mine, 
Neithei our own, but given ; what folly then 
To boast what arms can do ? since thine no more 
Than heaven permits, nor mine, tho' doubled now 
To trample thee as mire : for proof look up, 1010 
And read thy lot in yon celestial sign, 
Where thou art -.veigh'd, and shown how light, how 

weak. 
If thou resist." The fiend look'd up, and knew 
His mounted scale aloft ; nor more; but fled 1014 
Murm'ring, and with him fled the shades of night. 



END OF UOOK FOURTH. 



PARADISE LOST. 



BOOK V. 



THE ARGUMENT, 

Moniing approached, Eve relates to Adam her trcnihlt- 
seme dream ; he likes it not, yet comforts her. They 
come forth to their day-labours : their morning hymn 
at the door of their boiver. God, to render man in- 
excusable, sends Raphael to admonish him of his 
obedience ; of his free estate; of his enemy near at 
hand, who he is, and lohy his enemy ; and lohatever 
else may avail Adam to knmv. Raphael comes doicn 
to Paradise: his appearance described; his coming 
discerned by Adam afar off sitting at the door of his 
boioer; he goes out to meet him, brings him to his 
lodge, entertains him with the choicest fruits of Para- 
dise gvt together by Eve; their discourse at tabic. 
Raphael performs his message, minds Adam of his 
state and of his enemy; relates, at Adam''s request, 
who that enemy is, and how he came to be so, beginning 
from his first revolt in heaven, and the occasion therC' 
of; how he drevo his legions after him to the parts oj 
the north, and there incited them to rebel with him^ 
persuading all but only Abdiel, a seraph, who in 
argument dissuades and opposes him, then forsakes 
him. 



Now Morn, her rosy sieps in th' eastern clime 
Advancing, sow'd the earth with orient pearl, 
When Adam wak'd, so custom'd, for his sleep 
Was airy-light, from pure digestion bred, 
And temp'rate vapouis bland, which th' only sound 
Of leaves and fumin.'; rills, Aurora's fan, € 



104 PARADISE LOST. [Book F. 

Lightly dispers'd, and the shrill matin song 

Of birds on every bough : so much the more 

His wonder was to find unwaken'd Eve 

With tresses discompos'd, and glowing cheek, 10 

As through unquiftt rest : he, on his side 

Leaning half rais'd, with looks of cordial love, 

Hung over her enamour'd ; and beheld 

Beauty, which, whether waking or asleep, 

Shot forth peculiar graces ; then, with voice 1 5 

Mild as when Zephyrus on Flora breathes, 

Her hand soft touching, whisper'd thus : " Awake, 

My fairest, my espous'd, my latest found. 

Heaven's last best gift, my ever new delight ! 

Awake ; the morning shines and the fresh field 20 

Calls us ; Ave lose the prime, to mark how spring 

Our tended plants, how blows the citron grove, 

What drops the myrrh, and Avhat the balmy reed, 

How nature paints her colours, how the bee 

Sits on the bloom extracting liquid sweet." 2d 

Such whisp'ring wak'd her, but with startled eye 
On Adam, whom embracing, thus she spake : 

'* O sole, in whom my thoughts find all repose, 
My glory, my pei-fection ! glad I sec 
Thy face and morn return'd ; for I this night 30 

(Such night till this, I never pass,d) have dream'd. 
If dream'd, not, as I oft ann wont, of thee, 
Works of day past, or morrow's next design. 
But of offence and trouble, which my mind 
Knew never till this irksome night. Methovtght 35 
Close at mine ear one call'd me forth to walk 
With gentle voice ; T thought it thine ; it said. 
Why sleep's! thou. Eve ? now is the pleasant time, 
The cool, the silent, save where silence yields 
To the night- warbling bird, that now awake 40 
Tunes sweetest his love-laboux-'d song ; now reigns 
Full orb'd the moon, and with more pleasing light 
Shadowy sets off the face of things ; in vain, 
[f none regard ; heaven wakes with all his eyes, 
Whom to behold but thee, nature's desire ? 45 

In whose sight all things joy, with ravishment 
Attracted by the beauty still to gaze. 
I rose as at thy call, but found thee not : 
To find thee I directed thea my walk ; 



Book r.] PARADISE LOST 105 

And on, ntcthotight, alone 1 pass'd through ways 50 

That brought me on a sudden to the tree 

Of interdicted knowledge : fair it seem'd. 

Much fairer to my fancy than by day ; 

And, as I wond'ring look'd, bes(de it stood 

One shap'd and wing'd like one of those fi-om heaven 

By us oft seen : his dewy locks distill'd 56 

Ambrosia; on that tree he also gar.'d; 

And, * O fair plant,' said he, * with fruit surcharg'd. 

Deigns none to ease thy load and taste tliy sweet "? 

Nor God, nor man? is knowledge so despis'd ? 60 

Or envy, or what reserve, forbids to taste ? 

Forbid who will, none shall from me withhold 

Longer thy offer'd gootl ; why else set here ?' 

This said he paus'd not, but with vent'rous ann 

He pluck'd, he tasted ; me damp horror chill'd G5 

At such bold words, vouch'd with a deed so bold : 

But he thus, overjoy'd : * O fruit divine. 

Sweet of tJiyself, but much more sweet thus crept, 

Forbidden here, it seems as only fit 

For gods, yet able to make gods of men : 70 

And Avhy not gods of men, since good, the more 

Communicated, more abimdant grows. 

The author not impair'd, but honour'd more ? 

£Iere, happy ci'eature, fair angelic Eve, 

Pai-take thou also ; happy though thou art, 75 

Happier thou roay'st be, worthier canst not be : 

Take this, and be henceforth among the gods, 

Thyself a godaess, not to earth confin'd. 

But sometimes in the air, as we, sometimes 

Ascend to heaven, by merit thine, and see 80 

What life the gods live there, and such live thoa.' 

So saying, he drew nigh, and to me held. 

Even to my mouth of that same fruit h-eld part 

Which he had pluck'd ; the pleasant savoury smell 

So quicken'd appetite, that I, methought, 85 

Could not but taste. Foithwith up to the clouds 

With him I flew, and underneath beheld 

The earth outstretch'd immense, a prospect wide 

Ana various : wond'ring at my flight and change 

To tills high exaltatioti ; suddenly 00 

My guide was gone, and I, methought, sunk down. 

And fell asleep ; but O how glad 1 wak'd 

To find this but a dream."' Thus Eve her "light 

Belated, and thus Adam answer'rt sad 



106 PARADISE LOST. [Book' V 

" Best, image of myself and dearer half, 95 

The trouble of thy thoughts this night in sleep 
Afiects me equally ; nor can I like 
This uncouth dream, of evil sprung I fear ; 
Yet evil whence ? in thee can harbour none, 
Created pure. But know, that in the soul 100 

Are many lesser faculties, that serve 
Reason as chief; among these Fancy next 
Her office holds ; of all external things, 
Which the five watchful senses represent, 
She forms imaginations, airy shapes, 105 

Which Reason, joining or disjoining, frames 
All what we affirm or what deny, and call 
Our knowledge or opinion ; then retires 
Into her privefte cell when nature rests. 
Oft in her absence mimic Fancy wakes 110 

To imitate her ; but misjoining shapes. 
Wild work produces oft, and most m dreams, 
III matching vrords and deeds long past or late. 
Some such resemblances methinks I find 
Of our last evening's talk in this thy dream, H6 

But with addition strange: yet be not sad: 
Evil into the mind of God or man 
May come and go, so unapprov'd, and leave 
No spot or blame behind : which gives me hope, 
That what in sleep thou didst abhor to dream, 120 
Waking thou never wilt consent to do. 
Be not dishearten'd then, nor cloud those looks, 
That wont to be more cheerful and serene, 
Than when fair morning first smiles on the world ; 
And let us to our fresh employments rise, 125 

Among the groves, the fountains, and the flowers. 
That open now their choicest bosom'd smells, 
Reserv'd from night, and kept for thee in store." 

So cheer'd he his fair spoiise, and she was clieer^d ; 
But silently a gentle tear let fall 130 

Prom either eye, and wip'd them with her hair ; 
Two other precious drops that ready stood, 
• Each in their crystal sluice, he ere they fell 
Kiss'd, as the gracious signs of sweet remoi'se 
And pious awe, that fear'd to have offended. 136 

So all was clear'd, and to the field they haste. 
But first, from under snady arborous roof. 



fiook v.] PARADISE LuST. lU? 

Soon as they forth were conic to open sight 

Of day-spring;, and the sun, who scarce up-risen. 

With wheels yet hov'ring o'er the ocean brim, 140 

Shot parallel to th' earth his dewy ray, 

Discov'ring ni wide landscape all the east 

Of Paradise and Eden's happy plains. 

Lowly they bow'd adoring, and began 

Their orisons, each morning duly paid 145 

In various style ; for neither various style 

Nor holy rapture wanted they to praise 

Their Maker, in fit strains pronounc'd or sung 

Unmeditated, such prompt eloquence 

Fiow'd from their lips, in prose or numerous verse ; 

More tunable than needed lute or harp 151 

To add more sweetness ; and they thus began ; 

" These are thy glorious works. Parent of Good ! 
Almighty ! thine this universal frame, 
Thus wondi-ous fair »». thyself how wondrous then ! 
Unspeakable, who sitt'st above these heavens 156 
To us invisible, or dimly seen 
In these thy lowest works ; yet these declare 
Thy goodness beyond thought, and- power divine. 
Speak, ye who best can tell, ye sons of light, 160 
Angels ; for ye behold him, and with songs 
And choral symphonies, day without night, 
Circle his throne rejoicing ; ye in heaven : 
On earth join all ye creatures, to extol 
Him first, him last, him midst, and without end. 165 
Fairest of stars, last in the train of night, 
If better thou belong not to the dawn, 
Sure pledge of day, that crown'st the smiling mom 
With thy bright circlet, praise him in thy sphere. 
While day arises, that sweet hour of prime. 170 

Thou sun, of this great world both eye and soul, 
Acknowledge him thy greater, sound his praise 
(n thy eternal course, both when thou climb'st, 
And when high noon hast gain'd, and when thou fall'st, 
Moon that noAv meet'st the orient sun, now fliest 175 
With the fix'd stars, fix'd in their orb that flies ; 
And ye five other wand'ring fires, that move 
In mystic dance, not without song, resound 
His praise, who out of darkness call'd up light. 
Air, and ye elements, the eldest b/rth 180 



108 PARADISE LOST. [B:>ok V 

Of Nature's womb, that in quaternion run 

Perpetual circle, multiform ; and mix, 

And nourish all things ; let your ceaseless change 

Vary to our great Maker still new praise. 

Ye mists and exhalations, that now rise 185 

From lull or steaming lake, dusky or grey, 

Till the sun paint your fleecy skirts with gold, 

fn honour to the world's, gi-eat Author rise ; 

Whether to deck with clouds th' uncolour'd sky, 

Or wet the thirsty earth with falling showers, 19C 

Rising or falling still advance his praise. 

His praise, ye winds, that from four quarters blow, 

Breathe soft or loud ; and wave your tops ye pine."?, 

With eveiy plant, in sign of worship wave. 

Fountains, and ye that warble, as ye flow, 195 

Melodious murmurs, warbling tune his praise. 

Join voices all ye living souls ; ye birds, 

That singing up to heaven-gate ascend. 

Bear on your wings and in yo^^notes his praise. 

Ye that m waters glide, and ye that walk 200 

The earth, and stalely tread, or lowly creep. 

Witness if I be silent, morn or even. 

To hill or valley, fountain or fresh shade. 

Made vocal by my song, and taught his praise. 

Hail, universal Lord ! be bounteous still 205 

To give us only good ; and, if the night 

Have gather'd ought of evil, or conceal'd, 

Disperse it, as now light dispels the dark !'* 

So pray'd they, innocent ; and to their thoughts 
Firm peace recover'd soon, and wonted calm. 210 
On to then* morning's rural work they haste, 
Amon^ s^veet dews and flowers ; where any row 
Of fruit-trees over-woody reach'd too far 
Their pamper'd boughs, and needed hands to diet-k 
Fruitless embraces : or they led the vine 2 ! .v 

To wed her elm ; she spous'd about him twines 
Her man-ia^-eable arms, and witli her brings 
Her dower, th' adopted clusters, to adorn 
His barren leaves. Them thus employ'd beheld 
With pity heaven's high King, and to him call'd 22C 
Raphael, the sociable spirit, that deign'd 
To travel with Tobias, and secur'd 
His marriage with the seven times-wedded maid. 



book r.] Pi.RADlSE LOST. 109 

" Raphael ," said he, " tliou hear'st what stir on 
earth 
Satan, from hell scap'd through the darksome gulf 
Hath rais'd in Paradise, and how disturb'd 226 

This night the human pair ; how he designs 
In them at once to ruin all mankind. 
3o, therefore, half this day as friend with friend 
Converse with Adam, in what bower or shade 230 
Thou find'st him, from the heat of noon retir'd. 
To respite his day-labour with repeist, 
Or witn repose ; and such discourse bring on, 
As may advise him of his happy state, 
Happmess in his power left free to will, 235 

Left to his own free vrill ; his will, though free, 
Yet mutable ; whence warn him to beware 
He swerve not, too secure : tell him withal, 
His danger, and from whom ; what enemy, 
Late fallen himself from heaven, is plotting now 240 
The fall of others from like state of bliss ; 
By violence? no, fortnat shall be withstood ; 
But by deceit and lies : this let him know, 
Lest wilfully transgressing he pretend 
Surprisal, unadmonish'd, imforewarn'd." 245 

So spake th' eternal Father, and fulfiU'd 
All justice : nor delayed the wing'd saint 
After his charge receiv'd ; but from among 
Thousand celestial ardours, where he stood 
Veil'd with gorgeous wings, up springing light, 250 
Flew thro' the midst of heaven ; th' angelic choire 
On each hand parting, to liis speed gave way 
Througli all the empyreal road ; till at the gate 
Of heaven ax-riv'd, the gate self-open'd wide. 
On golden hinges turning, as by work 255 

Divine the sov'reign Architect had fram'd. 
From hence, no cloud, or, to obstruct his sight. 
Star interpos'd, however small, he sees, 
Not unconform to other shining globes, 
Karth, and the garden of God, with cedars cro\\m'd 
Above all hills. As when by night the glass 261 
Of Galileo, less assur'd, observes 
Imagin'd lands and regions in the moon ; 
Or pilot, from, amidst the Cycladcs, 
Deles or Samos first appearing, kens 265 

A cloudy spot. Down thither prone in flams 



no PARADISE LOST. [Book I' 

He speeds, and through the vast ethereal sJ^y 

Sails between worlds and v/orlds ; with steady wing, 

Now on the -polar winds, then with cjuick fan 

Winnows the buxom air ; till, within soar ?70 

Of tow'ring eagles, t' all the foAvls he seems 

A phoenix, gaz'd by all, as that sole bird, 

When to inshrine his reliques in the sun's 

Bright temple, to Egyptian Thebes he flies. 

At once on th' eastern cliff of Paradise 27 r 

He lights, and to his proper shape returns, 

A seraph wing'd ; six wings he wore to shade 

His lineaments divine ; the: pair that clad ^ 

Each shoulder broad, came mantling o'er his breast 

With regal ornament ; the middle pair 980 

Girt like a starry zone his waist, and round 

Skirted his loins and thighs with downy gold 

And colours dipp'd in heaven ; the third his feet 

Shadow'd. from either heel with feather'd mail, 

Sky-tinctui''d grain. Like Maia's son he stood, 285 

And shook his plumes, that heavenly fragrance fill'd 

The circuit wide. Straight knew him all the bands 

Of angels under watch ; and to his state, 

And to his message high, in honour rise ; 289 

For on some message high they guess'd him bound. 

Their glittering tents he pass'd, and noAv is come 

Into the blissful field, through groves of myrrh, 

And flowering odovirs, cassia, nard, and balm ; 

A wildness of sweets ; for Nature here 

Wanton'd as in lier prime, and play'd at will 295 

Her virgin fancies, pouring forth more sweet, 

Wild above rule or art ; enoi;mous bliss. , 

Him, through the spicy forest onward come, 

Adam discern'd, as in the door he sat 

Of his cool bower, while now the mounted sun 30C 

Shot down direct his feiwid rays to warm 

Earth's inmost womb, more wannth than Adam 

needs : 
And Eve within, due at her hour, prepar'd 
For dinner savoury fruits, of taste to please 
True appetite, and not disrelish thirst 305 

Of nect'rous draughts between, from milky stream, 
Berry or grape ; to v/hom. thus Adam call'd : 

*' Haste hither, Eve, and, worth tny sight, behold^ 
Gostwai'd among those trees, what glorious shape, ' 



Book v.] PARADISE LOST. Hi 

Comes tliis way moving ; seems another morn 310 
Rio.en on mid-noon : some great behest from heaveii 
To us perhaps he brings, and will vouchsafe 
T'his day to be our gu'^sL But go with speed, 
And what thy stores contsiin bring fortli, and pour 
Abundance, fit to honour and receive 315 

Our heavenly stranger : well we may afford 
Our givers their own gifts, and large b-^stow 
From large bestow'd, where nature multiplies 
Her fertile growtli, and by disbui'd'ning grows 
More fruitful, which instructs us not to spare." 320 

To whom thus Eve: "Adam, earth's hallow'd 
mould, 
Of God inspir'd, small store will serve, where store 
All seasons, ripe for use hangs on the stalk ; 
Save what by frugal storing firmness gains 
To nourish, and superfluous moist consumes ; 325 
But I will haste, and fi-om each bough aiKl brake, 
Each plant and juiciest gourd, will pluck such, choice 
To entertain our angel guest, as he 
Beholding shall confess, tliat here on earth 
God hatli dispens'd his bounties as in heaven." 330 

So saying, with despatchful looks in haste 
She turns, on hospitable thous:hts intent 
What choice to choose for delicacy best ; 
What order, so contriv'd as not to mix 
Tastes, not well join'd, inelegant, but bring 335 

Taste after taste, upheld with kindliest change : 
Bestirs her then, and from each tender stalk 
^Vhatever earth, all bearing mother, yields 
In India East or West, or middle shore 
In Pontus, or the Punic coast, or where 340 

Alcinous reign'd, fruit of all kinds in coat 
Rough or smooth rind, or bearded husk, or sheil, 
She gathers, tribute large, and on the board 
Heaps with unsparing hand ; for drink the grape 
She crushes, inoffensive must, and meathes 345 

From nuiny a berry ; and from sweet kernels press'd 
She tempers dulcet creams ; nor these to hold 
Wants her fit vessels pure ; then strews the ground 
With rose and odours from the shrub unfum'd. 

Meanwhile our priirutiye great sire, to meet 350 



112 PARADISE LOST. [Book V. 

His gadlike guest, walks forth, without more train 
Accompanied than with his own complete 
Perfections : in himself was all his state, 
More solemn than the tedious pomp that waits 
On princes, when their rich retinue long 355 

Of horses led, and grooms besmear'd Avith gold, 
Dazzles the crowd, and sets them all agape. 
Nearer his presence Adam, though not awed, 
Yet with submiss approach, and reverence meek, 
As to a superior nature, bowing low 360 

Thus said : " Native of heaven ! for other place 
None can than heaven such glorious shape contain; 
Since, by descending from the thrones above. 
Those happy places thou hast deign'd awhile 
To want, and honour these, vouchsafe with us 365 
Two only, who yet by sov'reign gift possess 
This spacious ground, in yonder shady bower 
To rest, and what the garden choicest bears 
To sit and taste, till this meridian heat 
Be over, and the sun more cool decline." 370 

Whom thus th' angelic virtue answer'd mild : 
Adam ! I therefore came ; nor art thou such 
Created, or such place hast here to dwell, 
As may not oft invite, though spirits of heaven, 
To visit theei : lead on then where thy bower 375 
O'ershades ; for these midhours, till evening rise, 
I have at will." So to the sylvan lodge 
They came, that like Pomona's arbour smiPd 
With flowerets deck'd and fragrant smells ; but Eve» 
Undeck'd save with herself, more lovely fair 380 
Than wood-nymph, or the fairest goddess feign'd 
Of three that in mount Ida naked strove, 
Stood to entertain her guest from heaven : no veil 
She needed, virtue proof ; no thought infirm 
Alter'd her cheek. On whom the angel ' Hail' 385 
Bestow'd, the holy salutation us'd 
Long after to bless'd Mary, second Eve. 

"Hail, mother of mankind ! whose fruitful womb 
Shall fill the world more numerous with thy sons, 
Than with these various fruits the trees of God 390 
Have heap'd this table." Rais'd of grassy turf 
Their table was, and mossy seats had round ; 
And on her ample square from side to side 



B^KkV.] PARADISE LOST. 113 

All autumn pil'd, though spring and autumn here 
Oanc'd hand iu hand. Awhile discourse they hold, 
No fear lest dinner cool ; when thus began 39G 

Our author : " Heaveniy stranger ! pleas'd to taste 
These bounties, which our nom-islier, from whom 
All perfect good, unmeasur'd out, descends 
To us for food and for delight, hath caus'd 400 

Th' earth to yield ; unsavoury food perhaps 
To spiritual natures ; only this I know, 
That one celestial Father gives to all." 

To whom the angel : " Therefore what he gives 
(Whose praise be ever sung!) to man in part 403 
Spiritital, may of purest spirits be found 
No ingrateful food : and food alike those pure 
Intelligential substances require. 
As doth your rational ; and both contain 
Within them every lower faculty - 410 

Of sense, whereby they hear, see, smell, touch, taste j 
Tasting concoct, digest, assimilate, 
And corporeal to incorporeal turn. 
For know, whatever was created, needs 
To be sustained and fed ; of elements, 415 

The gi-osser feeds the purer, earth the sea, 
Earth and the sea feed air, the air those iires 
Eihereal, and, as lowest, fii'st the moon; 
Whence in her visage round, those spots unpurg'd 
Vapours not yet into her substance turp'd. 420 

Nor doth the moon no nourishment exhale 
From her moist continent to higher orbs. 
The sun, that light imparts to all, receives 
From all his alimental recompense 
in humid exhalations ; and at even 425 

Sups with the ocean. Though in heaven the trees 
Of life ambrosial fruitage bear, and vines 
Yield nectar ; tho' from off the boughs each mom 
We brush mellifluous dews, and find the ground 
Corer'd with pearly grain : yet God hath here 430 
Varied his bounty so with new delights, 
As may compare with heaven ; and to taste 
Think not I shall be nice." So down they sat, 
And to their viands fell ; nor seemingly 
The angel, nor in mist, the common gloss 435 

Of theologians, but with keen despatch 
Of real hunger, and concoctive heat 
» 1|*« 



114 PARADISE LOST. ^BooJc V 

To transubstantiate ; what redounds, transpires 

Through spirits with ease ; nor wonder, if by fire 

Of sooFy coal, th' empiric alchemist 446 

Can turn, or holds it possible to turn, 

Metals of drossiest ore to perfect gold. 

As from the mine. MeanAvhile at table Eve 

Minister'd naked, and their flowing cups 

With pleasant lic^uors crown'd. O innocence 445 

Deserving Paradise ! if ever, then, 

Then had the sons of God excuse to have been 

Enamour'd at that sight ; but in those hearts 

Love unlibidinous reign'd, nor jealousy 

Was understood, the injur'd lover's hell. 450 

Thus when with meats and drinks they had suffic'd 
Not burden'd nature, sudden mind arose 
In Adam, not to let th' occasion pass, 
Given him by this great conference, to know 
Of things above this world, and of their being 455 
Who dwell in heaven, whose excellence he saw 
Transcend his own so far, whose radiant forms 
Divine effulgence, whose high power so far 
Exceeded human, and his wary speech 
Thus to th' empyreal minister he fram'd ; 4G0 

" Inhabitant with God ! now know I well 
Thy favour, in this honour done to man. 
Under whose lowly roof thou hast vouchsafd 
To enter, and these earthly fruits to taste, 
Food not of angels, yet accepted so, 465 

As that more willingly thou couldst not seem 
At heaven's high feasts to have fed: yet what 
compare?" 

To whom the winged hierarch replied : 
" O Adam ! one aknighty is, from whom 
All things proceed, and up to hun return, 470 

If not deprav'd from good, created all 
Such to perfection, one first matter all, 
Endued with various forms various degrees 
Of substance, and, in things that live, of life; 
But more refin'd, more spiritous, and pure, 475 

As nearer to him plac'd, or nearer tending, 
Each in their several active spheres assign' 
Till body up to spirit work, m bounds 



Bookf.] PARADISE LOST. 115 

Proportion'd to each kind. So from the root 
Springs lighter the green stalk, from thence the 
leaves 4S0 

More aiiy, last the bright consummate flower 
Soirits odorous breathes: flowers and llieir fi-uit, 
Man's nourishment, by gradual scale subllm'd. 
The vital spirits*, aspire, to animal. 
To intellectual ; give both lite amd sense, 4S5 

Fancy and understanding ; whence the soal 
Reason receives, ard reason is her being, 
Ehscoursive, or intuitive ; discourse 
Is oftest yours, the latter most is ours. 
Differing' but in degree, of kind the same. 490 

Wonder not, then, what God for you saw good 
If I refuse not, but convert, as you. 
To proper substance : time may come, when men 
With angels may participate, and find 
N'o inconvenient diet, nor too light fare ; 49b 

And from these corporal nutriments perhaps 
Your bodies may at last turn all to spirit, 
Improv'd by tract of time, and wing'd ascend 
Ethereal, as we, or may at choice 
Here or in heavenly Paradises dwell; 50O 

If ye be found obedient, and retain 
Unalterably firm his love entire. 
Whose progeny you are. Meanwhile enjoy 
Your fill what happiness this happy state 
Can comprehend, incapable of more." 505 

To whom the patriarch of mankind replied: 
** O favourable spirit, propitious guest ! 
Well hast thou taught the way that might direct 
Our knowledge, and the scale of nature "set 
From centre to circumference, whereon, 510 

In contemplation of created things, 
By steps we may ascend to Grod. But say, 
What meant that caution join'd, * If ye be found 
ObeUient ?' can -we want ooedience then 
To him, or posfibly his love desert, 515 

Who fomiM us from the dust, and plac'd us here, 
Full to the utmost measiire of what bliss 
Human desires con seek or apprehend ?" 

To whom the angel : "Son of heaven and earth. 
Attend ! That thou art happy, owe to God j 520 



116 PARADISE I.OST. {Book} 

That thou continuest such, owe to thyself, 

That IS, to thy obedience ; therein stand. 

This was that caution given thee ; be advis'd. 

God made thee perfect, not immutable ; 

And good he made thee, but to persevere 525 

He left it in thy power ; ordain'd thy v/ill 

By nature free, not overrul'd by fate 

Inextricable, or strict necessity : 

Our voluntary service he requires, 

Not our necessitated ; such with him • 630 

Finds no acceptance, nor can find ; for how 

Can hearts not free be tried whether they serve 

Willing or no, who will but what they must " 

By destiny, and can no other choose ? 

Myself, and all th' angelic host that stand 5S5 

In sight of God enthron'd, our happy state 

Hold, as you yours, while our obedience holds j 

On other svirety none ; freely we serve, 

Because we freely love, as in our will 

To love or not ; in this we stand or fall : 540 

And some are fallen, to disobedience fallen, 

And so from heaven to deepest hell ; O fall 

From what high state of bliss into what wo !" 

To whom our great progenitor : " Thy words 
Attentive, and with more delighted ear 546 

Divine instructor, I have heard, than when 
Cherubic songs by night from neighb'ring hills 
Aerial music send : nor knew I not 
To be both will and deed created free ; 
Yet that w^e never shall forget to love 550 

Our Maker, and obey him, whose command ' 
Single is yet so just, my constant thoughts 
Assur'd me, and still assure : tho' what thou tell'st 
Hath pass'd in heaven, some doubt within me move, 
But more desire to hear, if thou consent, 555 

The full relation, which must needs be strange, i 
Worthy of sacred silence to be heard ; 
And we have yet large day, for scarce the sun 
Hath finish'd half his journey, and scarce begins 
His other half in the great zone of heaven." 560 

Thus Adam made request ; and Raphael, 
After short pause assenting, thus began • 



Book v.] PARADISL 1.0ST. 1 17 

"High matter thou enjoin'st me, O prime of men ! 
Sad task and hard ; for liow shall I relate 
To human sense th' invisible exploits 5G5 

Of warring spirits ? how, without remorse, 
The ruin of so many, glorious once, 
And perfect while they stood ? how, last, unfold 
The secrets of another world, perhaps 
Not lawful to reveal ? yet for thy good 570 

This is dispens'd ; and what surmounts the reach 
Of human sense, I shall delineate so, 
By likening spirityal to corporal forms, 
As may express them best ; though what if earth 
Be but the shadow of heaven, and things therein,575 
Eacli to other like, more than on earth is thought ' 

" As yet this world was not, and Chaos wild 
Reign'd where these heavens now roll, where earth 

noAv rests 
Upon her cefitre pois'd ; when, on a day, 
(For time, though in eternity, applied 580 

To motion, measures all things durable 
By present, past, and future,) on such day 
As heaven's great year brings forth, th' empyreal host 
Of angels, by imperial summons call'd. 
Innumerable, before th' Almighty's throne 585 

Forthwith from all the ends of heaven appeared 
Under their hierarchs in orders bright : 
Ten thousand thousand ensigns high advanc'd, 
Standards and gonfalons 'twixt van and rear, 
Stream in the air, and for distinction serv« 590 

Of hierarchies, of orders, and degrees ; 
Or in their glittering tissues bear emblaz'd 
Holy memorials, acts of zeal and love 
Recorded eminent. Thus, when in orbs 
Of circuit inexpressible they stood, 596^ 

Orb within orb, the Father infinite. 
By whom in bliss imbosom'd sat the Son, 
A.midst, as from a flaming mount, whose top 
Bi-ightness had made invisible, thus spake : 

" * Hear, all ye angels, progeny of light, 600 

Thrones, dominations, princedoms, virtues, powers t 
Hear my decree, which unrevok'd shall stand. 
This day I have begot whom I declare 
My only Son, and on this holv hill 



118 PARADISE LOST. [Book f 

Him have anointed, whom ye now behold 60b 

At my right hand ; your head I him appoint ; 

And by myself have sworn, to him shall bow 

All knees in heaven, and shall confess him Lord . 

Under his great vicegerent reign abide 

United as one individual sou), BIO 

For ever happy. Him who disobeys, 

Me disobeys, breaks union, and that day, 

Cast out from God and blessed vision, falls 

Into utter darkness, deep ingulf 'd, his plact 

OrdauVd, without redemption, without end 615 

" So spake th' Omnipotent, and with his words 
All seem'd well pleas'd ; all seem'd, but were not alL 
That day, as other solemn days, they spent 
In song and dance about the sacred hill ; 
Mystical dance ! which yonder starry sphere G20 
Of planets and of fix'd in all her wheels 
Resembles nearest, mazes intricate. 
Eccentric, intervolv'd, yet regular 
Then most, when most irregular they seem 
And in their motions harmony divine 625 

So smooths her charming tones, that God's own ear 
Listens delighted. Evening now approach'd 
(For we have also our evenmg and our morn, 
We ours for change delectable, not need ;) 
Forthwith from dance to sweet repast they turn 630 
Desirous ; all in circles as they stood. 
Tables are set, and on a sudden pil'd 
With angel's food, and rubied nectar flows 
In pearl, in diamond, and massy gold. 
Fruit of delicious vines, the gi'owth of heaven. 635 
On flowers rcpos'd, and with fresh flowerets crown'd, 
They eat, they drink, and in communion sweet 
GluafF immortality and joy, secure 
Of surfeit, where full measure only bounds 
Excess, before the all bounteous King, who shower'd 
With copious hand, rejoicing in their joy. 641 

Now, when ambrosial night with clouds exhal'd 
From that high mount of God, whence light and 

shade 
Spring both, the face of brightest heaven had chang'd 
To grateful twilight, (for night comes not there 645 
In darker veil,) and roseate dews dispos'd 
All but th' unsleeping eyes 3f God to rest j 



Book v.] PARADISE LOST. 119 

Wide over all ihe plain, ajid wider far 

Than all this globous earth in plain outspread, 

(Such are the courts of God,) tn' angelic throng, 650 

Dispers'd in bands and files, their camp extend 

' -y living streams among the trees of life, 

Pavilions numberless, and sudden rcard, 

Celestial tabernacles, where they slept 

Fann'J -.vith cool winds, save those who in tneir course 

Melodious hymns about the sov'reign throne 656 

Alternate all night long : but not so wak'd 

Satan (so call him now, his former name 

Is heard no more in heaven;) he of the first. 

If not the first archangel, great in power, G60 

In favour and pre-eminence, yet fraught 

Witli envy against the Son of God, that day 

Honoured by his great Father, and proclaim'd 

Messiali, King anointed, could not bear, 664 

Thro' pride that sight, and thought himself impair'd. 

Deep malice thence conceiving, and disdain, 

Soon as midnight brought on the dusky hour 

Friendliest to sleep and silence, he resolv'd 

"Witli all his legions to dislodge, and leave 

Un worshipped, unobey'd the throne supreme, 670 

Contemptuous, and his next subordinate 

Awak'ning, thus to him in secret spake : 

" * SIeep*st thou, companion dear ! what sleep can 
close 
Thy eye-lids ? and remcmber'st what decree 
Of yes'terday, so late hath pass'd the lips 675 

Of heaven's' Almighty. Thou to me thy thoughts 
Wast wont, I mine to thee was wont t' impart ; 
Both waking we were one ; how then can now 
Thy sleep dissent ? New laws thou seest imposed ; 
New laws from him who reigns, new minds mav 
raise 650 

In us who serve, new counsels, to debate 
What doubtfi.ll may ensue : more in this place 
To utter is not safe. Assemble thou 
Of all those m}Tiads which we lead the chief; 
Tell them tliat by command, ere yet dim night 635 
Her shadowy cloud withdraws, lam to haste, 
And all who under me their banners wave. 
Homeward M'ith flying march where we possess 
The quarters of the north : there to prepare 



120 PAHAulsK- LOST. 'Bool! f 

Fit entertainment to receive our King, 690 

The great Messiah, and Tiis new commands. 
Who speedily through all the hierarchies 
Intends to pass triumphant, and give laws.' 

" So spake the false archangel, and infas'd 
Bad influence into th' unweary breast 695 

Of his associate : he together calls, 
Or several one by one, the regent powers, 
Under him regent ; tells, as he was taught, 
That, the Most High commanding, now ere nignt, 
Now ere dim night had disincumber'd heaven, 700 
The great hierarchal standard was to move ; 
Tells the suggested cause, and casts between 
Ambiguous words and jealousies, to sound 
Or taint integrity. But all obey'd 
The wonted signal, and superior voice 705 

Of their great potentate ; for great indeed 
His name, and high was his degree in heaven : 
His count'nance, as the morning star that guides 
The starry flock, allur'd them, and with lies 
Drew after him the third part of heaven's host. 710 
Meanwhile th' eternal eye, whose sight discerns 
Abstrusest thoughts, from forth his holy mount, 
And from within the golden lamps that burn 
Nightly before him, saw, without their light, 
Rebellion rising ; saw, in whom, how spread 716 
Among the sons of morn, what multitudes 
Were banded to oppose his high decree ; 
And, smiling:, to his only Son thus said : 

" '■ Son ! thou in whom my glory I behold 
In full resplendence. Heir of all my might, 720 

Nearly it now concerns us to be sure 
Of our omnipotence, and with what arms 
We mean to hold what anciently we claim 
Of deity or empire ; such a foe 
Is rising, who intends to erect his throne 725 

Equal to ours, throughout the spacious north ; 
Nor so content, hath in his thought to try, 
In battle, what our power is, or our right. 
1 ,et us advise, and to this hazard draw 
With speed what force is left, and all employ 730 
In our defence, lest unawares we lose 
This our high place, our sanctuary, our bill.' 



Book y \ PARADISE LOST. 121 

•* To whom the Son, with calm aspect and clear, 
Ijightning divine, ineffable, serene, 
Made answer: ' Mighty Father ! thou thy foes 735 
Justly nast in derision, and, secure, 
Laugh'st at their vain designs and tumults vain ; 
Matter to me of glory, whom their hate 
fllustrttes, when they see all regal power 
Given me to quell their pride, and m event 740 

Know whether 1 be dext'rous to subdue 
f hy rebels, or be found the worst in heaven.' 

So spake the Son ; but Satan with his poAvers 
Far was advanc'd on winged speed, an host 
Innumerable as the stars of night, 745 

Or stars of morning, dew-drops, v/hich the sun 
[npearls on every leaf, and every flower. 
Regions they pass'd, the mighty regencies 
Of seraphim, and potentates, and thrones, 
fn their triple degrees ; regions to which 750 

All thy dominion, Adam, is no more 
Than what this garden is to all the earth, 
And all the sea, from one entire globose 
Stretch'd into longitude ; which, having pass'd, 
At length into the limits of the north 756 

They came ; and Satan to his royal seat 
High on a hill, far blazing, as a mount 
Rais'd on a mount, with pyramids and towers 
From diamond quarries hewn, and rocks of gold; 
The palace of great Lucifer, (so call 760 

I'hat structure in the dialect of men 
Interpreted,) which not long after he, 
Affecting all equality with God, 
In imitation of that mount whereon 
Messiah w^as declar'd in sight of heaven, 765 

The Mountain of the Congregation call'd ; 
For thither he assembled all his train, 
Pretending so commanded, to consult 
About the great reception of their King ' 

Thither to come, and with calumnious art 770 

Of counterfeited truth thus held their ears; 

" * Thrones, dominations, princedonas, virtues^ 
If these magnific titles yet remain 

powers ! 
Not merely titular, since by decree 
U 



122 PARADISE LOST. 

Another now hath to himself engross'd 775 

All f)Ower, and us eclips'd, under the name 

Of King Anointed ; for whom all this haste 

Of midnight march, and hurriea meeting here ; 

This only to consult how we may best, 

With what may be devis'd of honours new, 780 

Receive him, coming to receive from us 

Knee-tribute, yet unpaid ; prostration vile. 

Too much to one, but double how endur'd. 

To one, and to his image now proclaim'd ? 

But what if better counsels might erect 785 

Our minds, and teach us to cast off this ycke ? 

Will ye submit your necks, and choose to bend 

The supple knee ? Ye will not, if i trust 

To know ye right, or if ye know yourselves 

Natives and sons of heaven, possess'd before 790 

By none, and if not equal all, yet free, 

Equally free ; for orders and degrees 

Jar not with liberty, but well consist. 

Who can in reason then, or right, assume 

Monarchy over such as live by right 795 

His equals, if in power and splendour less. 

In freedom equal ? Or can introduce 

Law and edict on us, who without law 

Err not? much less for this to be our Lord, 

And look for adoration, to th' abuse 800 

Of those imperial titles, which assert 

Our being ordain'd to govern, not to serve !' 

"Thus far his bold discourse without control 
Had audience ; when among the seraphim 
Abdiel, than whom none with more zeal ador'd 605 
The Deity, and divine commands obey'd, 
Stood up, and in a flame of zeal severe, " 
The current of his fury thus oppos'd: 

" ' O argument blasphemous, false antJ proud ! 
Words wlilch no ear ever to hear in heaven 810 
Expected, least of all from thee, ingrate, 
In place thyself so high above thy peers. 
Canst thou with impious obloquy condemn 
The just Jecree of God, pronouncVl and sworn, 
That to his only Son, by right endu'd 815 

With regal sceptre, every soul in heaven 



Book F.J PAUAuisfc L.OST. 123 

Shall bend the knee, and in that honour due 
Confess him rightful King? Unjust, thou say*st, 
. Flatly unjust, to hind with laws the free, 
And equal over equals to let reign, 820 

One over all with unsucceeded power. 
Shalt thou give la^v• to God ? Shalt thou dispute 
With him the points of liberty, who made 
Thee what thou art, and form'd the powers of heaven 
Such as he pleas'd, and circumscrib'd their being? 
Yet, by experience taught, we know how good, 826 
And of our good, and of our dignity 
, How provident he is ; how far from thought 
To make us less, bent rather to exalt 
Our happy state, under one head more near 830 
United. But to grant it thee unjust. 
That equal over equals monarch reign : 
Thyself, though great and glorious, dost thou count. 
Or all angelic nature join'd in one. 
Equal to hmn, begotten Son? by whom, 835 

As by his Word, the mighty Father made 
All tilings, even thee ; and all the spirits of heaven 
By him created in their bright degrees, 
Crown'd them with glory, and to their glory nam'd 
Thrones, dominations, princedoms, virtues, powers^ 
Essential powers, nor by his reign obscur'd, 841 

But more illustrious made; since he, the head, 
One of our number thus reduc'd becomes ; 
His laws our laws ; all honour to him done 
Returns our own. Cease then this impious rage, 
And tempt not these ; but hasten to ajipease 846 
Th* incensed Father, and th' incensed Son, 
While pardon may be found, in time besought.' 

" So spake the fervent angel ; but his zeal 
None seconded, as out of season judg'd, 850 

Or singular and rash ; whereat reioic'd 
Th' apostate, and more haughty t"hus replied : 
' That we were form'd then say'st thou ? and the Work 
Of secondaiy hands, by task transferr'd 
From Father to his Son ? Strange point and new ! 
Doctrine which we would know whence learn'd, who 
saw 856 

When this creation was? remember'st thou 
Thy making, while the Maker gave thee being? 



124 PARADISE LOST. [Book f 

We know no time when we were not ds now ; 

Know none before us, self-begot, self-rais'd 860 

By our own q^uik'ning power, when fatal course 

Had circled his full orb, the birth matui-e 

Of this our native heaven, ethereal sons. 

Our puiisance is our own ; our own right hand 

Shall teach us highest deeds, by proof to try 866 

Who is our equal : then thou shalt behold 

Whether by supplication we intend 

A.ddress, and to begirt th' Almighty throne 

Beseeching or besieging. This report, 

These tidings carry to th' anointed King ,• 870 

And fly, ere evil intercept thy flight.' 

" He said, and, as the sound of waters deep, 
Hoarse murmur echoed to his words applause 
Through the infinite host ; nor less for that 
The flaming seraph, fearless, though alone 875 

Encompass'd round with foes, thus answer'd bold : 

" * O alienate from God, O sph'it accurs'd, 
F()rsaken of all good ! I see thy fall 
Determin'd, and thy hapless crew mvolv'd 
[n this perfidious fraud, contagion sjDread 880 

Both of thy crime and punishment ; henceforth 
N"o more be troubled how to quit the yoke 
Of God's Messiah ; those in.lulgent laws 
Will not be now vouchsriPd : other decrees 
Against thee are gone forth without recall ; 885 

That golden sceptre, which thou didst reject, 
Is now an iron rod to bruise and break 
Thy disobedience. Well thou didst advise ; 
Yet not for thy advice or threats I fly 
These wicked tents devoted, lest the wrath 890 

Impendent, raging into sudden flame. 
Distinguish not : for soon expect to feel 
His thunder on thy head, devouring fire. 
Then who created thee lamenting learn, 
When who can uncreate thee thou shalt kriCfW 895 

" So spake the seraph Abdiel, faithful found 
Among the faithless, faithful only he 
Among innumerable false, unmov'a, 
Unshaken, unseduc'd. untcrrified. 



3ook v.] PARADISE LOST. 125 

3is loyalty he kept, his love, his zeal ; 900 

^AoT number, nor example, with him wrought 

To swerve from truth, or change his constant mind. 

Though siiiffle. From amidst them fnrih he pass'd, 

Long i^r V throup-'i hostile scorn, which he sustain'd 

•iupano-, nox ot v\ol-nce fea'-'d ought ; 90£ 

And vrith rc'-orted scorp his back he turn'd 

On t'a^HSc prcud i^'h ««i »j 6Wifl destruction doom'A 



END OF BOOK FIFTH. 



PARADISE LOST 



BOOK VI. 



THE ARGUMENT. 

Raphael continues to relate hoxo Michael and Gabnel 
were sent forth to battle against Satan aiid his UTigels. 
The first fight described. Satan and his potoerv 
retire under night. He calls a council, invents devilish 
engines, tohichin the second day''s fight put J\Iichael 
and his angels to some disorder ' but they at length 
pulling up mountaiixs, overwhebned both the force and 
machines of Satatu Yet the twwdt not so endiiig, 
God 071 the third day senas Mesiiuh his Son, for 
who7n he had reserved the glory of that victory : Ile^ 
in the poxoer of his Father, coming to the place, and 
cmising all his legions to stand still on either side, 
-.oith his chanot and thunder driving into the midst 
of his enemies, pursues them, xcnableto resist, totoards 
the wall of heaven : which opening, they leap dowxi 
icith horror and coiifusion into the place of punish- 
ment prepared for them in the deep. Messiah returns 
with triumph to his Father. 



" All night the dreadless angel, unpursued, 
Through heaven's wide champain held his way ; till 

morn, 
Wak'd by tlie circling hours, with rosy hand 
Unbarr'd the gates of liglS. There is a cave 
Within the mount of God, fast by his throne, 5 

Where light and darkness in perpetual round 
Lodge and dislodge by turns, which makes through 

heaven 
Grateful vicissitud-j, like day smd night ; 



Book rt.\ PARADISE LOST. 127 

Light issues forth, and at the other door 
Obsequious darkness enters, till her hour 10 

To veil the heaven, though darkness there might well 
Seem tAvilight here : and now went forth tlie morn, 
Such as in highest heaven, array'd in ^old 
Empyreal ; from before her vanish'd night. 
Shot thro' with orient beams ; when all the plain, 1 5 
Cover'd with tkick embattled squadrons bright, 
Chariots, and flaming arms, and fiery steeds, 
Reflecting blaze on blaze, first met his view. 
War he perceiv'd, war in procinct, and found. 
Already Known, what he for news had thought 20 
To have reported : gladly then he mix'd 
Among those friendly powers, who him receiv'd 
With joy and acclamations loud, that one, 
That of so many myriads fallen, yet one 
Return'd not lost. On to the sacred hill 25 

They led him high api)lauded, and present 
Before the seat supreme ; from whence a voice, 
From midst a golden cloud, thus mild was heard : 

" * Servant of God ' well done, well hast thou fought 
The better fight, who single hast maintain'd 30 

Against revolted multitudes the cause 
Of truth, in word mightier than they in arms j 
And for the testimony of truth hast borne 
Universal reproach, for worse to bear 
Than violence ; for this was all thy care 33 

To stand approv'd in sight of God, though worlds 
Judg'd thee perverse ; the easier conquest now 
Remains thee, aided by this host of friends, 
Back to thy foes more glorious to return, 
Than scorn'd thou didst depart, and to subdue 40 
By force, who reason for their law refuse. 
Right reason for their law, and for their king 
Messiah, who by right of merit reigns. 
Go, Michael, of celestial armies prince. 
And thou, in military prowess next, 45 

Gabriel, lead forth to battle these my sons 
Invincible ; lead forth mynrmed saints. 
By thousands and by millions rang'd for fight. 
Equal in number to that godless crew 
Rebellious ; then with fire and hostile arms 50 

Fearless assault, and to the brow of heaven 
Pursuing, drive them out from God and bliss 



128 PARADISE LUST. [BookVJ. 

Into their place of punishment, the gulf 

Of Tartarus, which ready opens wide 

His fiery Chaos to receive their fall.' 55 

" So spake the Sovereign voice, and clouds began 
To darken all the hill, and smoke to roll ^ 
In dusky wreaths, i-eluctant flames, the sign 
Of wrath awak'd ; nor with less dread the loud 
Ethereal trumpet from on high 'gan blow : 60 

At which command the powers militant. 
That stood for heaven, in mighty quadrate join d 
Of union irresistible, mov'd on 
In silence their bright legions, to the sound 
Of instrumental harmony, that breath'd 65 

Heroic ardour to advent'rous deeds, 
Under their godlike leaders, in the cause 
Of God and his Messiah. On they move 
Indissolubly firm ; nor obvious hiil. 
Nor strait'ning vale, nor wood, nor stream divides 70 
Their perfect ranks ; for high above the ground 
Their march was, and the passive air upbore 
Their nimble tread ; as when the total kind 
Of birds, in orderly array, on wing. 
Came, summon'd over Eden, to receive 75 

Their names of thee ; so over many a tract 
Of heaven they march'd, and many a province wide 
Tenfold the length of this terrene. At last, 
Far in th' horizon, to the north, appear'd 
From skirt to skirt a fiery region, stretch'd SO 

In battailous aspect, and nearer view 
Bristled with upright beams innumerable 
Of rigid spears, and helmets throng'd, and shields 
Various, with boastful argument portray'd 
The banded powers of Satan, hasting on 8ft 

With furious expedition ; for they ween'd 
That self-same day, by fight, or by surprise, 
To win the mount of God, and on his throne 
To set the envier of his state, the pi'oud 
Aspirer ; but their thoughts prov'd fond and vain 90 
In the midway : though strange to us it seem'd 
At first, that angel should with angel war, 
And in fierce hosting meet, who wont to meet 
So oft in festival cf joy and love 
Unanimous, as sons of one great sire, 95 

Hymning th' eternal Father. But the shout 



Book VL] PARADISE LOST. 129 

Of battle now began, and rishing sound 

Of onset ended soon each milder thought. 

High in the midst, exalted as a god, 

Th' apostate in his sun-bright chariot sat, 100 

Idol of majesty divine, enclos'd 

With flaming cherubim- and golden shields ; 

Then lighted from his gorgeous throne, for now 

'Twixt host and host but narrow space was left, 

A dreadful interval, and front to front 105 

Presented stood in terrible array 

Of hideous length ; before the cloudy van, 

On the rough edge of battle ere it jom'd, 

Satan, with vast and haughty strides, advanc'd. 

Came tow'ring, arm'd in adamant and gold. 110 

Abdiel that sight endur'd not, where he stood 

Among the mightiest, bent on highest deeds, 

And thus his own undaunted heart explores : 

" * O heaven ! that such resemblance of the highest 
Should yet remain, where faith and reality 115 

Remain not : wherefore should not strength and might 
There fail where virtue fails, or weakest prove 
Where boldest, though to sight unconquerable ? 
His puissance, trusting in th' Almighty's aid, 
I mean to try, whose reason I have tried 120 

Unsound and false ; nor is it ought but just, 
That he who in debate of truth hath won. 
Should win in arms, in both disputes^ alike 
"^tor ; though brutish that contest and foul, 
Wijen reason hath to deal with force, yet so 125 
Mest reason is that reason overcome.' 

" So pondering, and from his arm'd peers 
Forth stepping opposite, half way he met 
His daring foe, at this prevention more 
Incens'd, and thus securely him defied : 130 

" * Proud, art thou met ? thy hope was to have 
reach'd 
The height of thy aspiring unoppos'd. 
The throne of God unguarded, and his side 
Abandon'd at the terror of thy power 
Or potent tongue : fool, not to tlnnk how vafh 135 
Against th' Omnipotent to rise in arms ; 
V^Hio out of smallest things could without end 



130 PARADISE LOST. [Book VL 

Have rais'd incessant armies to defeat 

Thy folly ; or with solitary haiiid, 

Reaching beyond all limit, at one blow 140 

Unaided could have finish'd liiee, and whelm'd 

Thy legions under darkness. But thou seest 

All are not of thy train ; there be who faith 

Prefer, and piety to God, though then 

To thee not visible, when I alone 14f 

Seem'd in thy world erroneous to dissent 

From all ; my sect thou seest ; now learn too late 

How few sometimes may know, when thousands err. 

" Whom the grand foe, with scornful eye askance, 
Thus answer'd : ' 111 for thee, but in wish'd hour 15tt 
Of my revenge, first sought for, thou return'st 
From flight, seditious angel, to receive 
Thy merited reward, the first assay 
Of tlais right hand provok'd, since first that tongue, 
Inspir'd with contradiction, durst oppose 155 

A third part of the gods, in synod met 
Their deities to assert, who, while they feel 
Vigour divine within them, can allow 
Omnipotence to none. But well thou com'st 
Before thy fellows, ambitious to win 160 

From me some plume, that thy success may show 
Destruction to the rest : this pause between 
(Unanswcr'd lest thou boast) to let thee know ; 
At first I thought that liberty and heaven 
To heavenly souls had been all one ; but now 165 
I see that most through sloth had rather serve, 
Minist'ring spirits, train'd up in feast and song ; 
Such hast thou ai-m'd, the minstrelsy of heaven, 
Servility with freedom to contend, 169 

As both their deeds coinpared this day shall prove.* 

" To whom in brief tlius Abdiel stern replied : 
' Apostate, still thou err'st, nor end wilt find 
Of erring, from the path of truth remcte: 
Unjustly thou dfprav'st it with the name 
Of servitude, to serve whom God ordains, 175 

Or Nature; God and Nature bid the same, 
When he who rules worthiest, and excels 
Them whom he governs. This is servitude, 
To serve th' unwise, or him who hath rebell'd 
Against his worthier, as thine now serve thee, 180 



Bcvk VL] PARADISE LOST. 131 

Thyself not free, but to thyself inthraPd ; 
Yet lewdly dar'st our minist'ring upbraid. 
Reign thou in hell, thy kingdom ; let me serve 
In heaven God ever bless'd and his divine 
Behests obey, worthiest to be obey'd ; 185 

Yet chains m hell, not realms expect ; meanwhile 
From me return'd, as erst thou saidst, from flight, 
This greeting on thy impious crest receive.' 

" So saying, a noble stroke he lifted high, 
\Vliich hung not, but so swift with tempest fell 190 
On the proud crest of Satan, that no sight, 
Nor motion of swift thought, less could his shield, 
Such ruin intercept : ten paces huge 
He back recoil'd : the tenth on bended knee 
His massy spear upstay'd ; as if on earth 195 

Winds under ground, or waters forcing way, 
Sidelong had push'd a mountain from his seat, 
Half sunk with all his pines. Amazement seiz'd 
The rebel thrones, but greater rage to see 
Thus foil'd their mightiest ; ours joy fiU'd, and shou^ 
Presage of victory, and fierce desire 201 

Of battle; whereat Michael bid sound 
Th' archangel trumpet : through the vast of heaven 
It sounded, and the faithful armies rung 
Hosannah to th' Highest; nor stood at gaze 205 
The adverse legions, nor less hideous join'd 
The horrid shock. Now stomiing fury rose, 
And clamour such as heard jn heaven till now 
Was never : arms on armour clashing bray'd 
Horrible discord, and the madding wheels 210 

Of brazen chariots rag'd ; dire was the noise 
Of conflict ; over head the dismal hiss 
Of fiery darts in flaming vollies flew. 
And flying, vaulted either host with fire. 
So under fiery cope together rush'd 21 ' 

Both battles main, witli ruinous assault 
And inextinguishable rage ; all heaven 
Resounded, and had earth been then, all earth 
Had to her centre shook. What wonder ? when 
Millions of fierce encount'ring angels fought 220 
On either side, the least of whom could wield 
These elements, and arm him with the force 
Of all tlieir regions : how much more of power 
Army against army nuniberless to raise 



132 PARADISE LOST. [Book V I 

Dreadful conioustion warring, and disturb, 225 

Though not destroy, their happy native seat ; 

Had not th' eternal King omnipotent 

From his strong hold of heaven high overral'd 

And limited their might ; though number'd such 

As eacl; divided legion might have seem'd 230 

A numerous host, in strength each arm'd hand 

A legion, led in fight, yet leader seem'd, 

Each warrior single as in chief, expert 

When to advance, or stand, or turn the sway 

Of battle, open when, and when to close 235 

The ridges of grim war : no thought of flight, 

None of retreat, no unbecoming deed 

That argued fear ; each on himself relied, 

As only in his arm the moment lay 

Of victory. Deeds of eternal lame 240 

Were done, but infinite ; for wide was spread 

That war and various, sometimes on firm ground 

A standing fight, then, soaring on main wing, 

Tormented all the air ; all air seem'd then 

Conflicting fire. Long time in even scale 245 

The battle hung ; till Satan, who tnat day 

Prodigious power had shown, and met in arms 

No equal, ranging through the dire attack 

Of fighting seraphim confus'd, at length 

Saw where the sword of Michael smote and fell'd 250 

Squadrons at once : with huge two-handed sway, 

Brandish'd aloft, the horrid edge came down 

Wide wasting; such destruction to withstand 

He hasted, and oppos'd the rocky orb 

Of tenfold adamant, his ample shield, 255 

A vast circumference. At his approacli 

The great archangel from his warlike toil 

Surceas'd, and glad, as hoping here to end 

Intestine war in heaven, th' arch-foe subdu'd, 

Or captive dragg'd in chains, with hostile irown, 260 

And visage alHnflam'd, firjt thus began : 

" * Author of evil, unknown till thy revolt, 
Unnam'd in heaven, now plenteous, as thou seest 
These acts of hateful strife, hateful to all, 
Though heaviest by just measure on thyself 265 
And thy adherents : how hast thou disturb'd 
fieaven's blessed peace, and into nature brought 
Misery, uncreated till the crime 



Book VL] PARADIS*; LOST. 133 

Of thy rebellion ? how hast thou instill'd 

Thy malice into thousands, once urright 270 

And faithful, now provM false ? But think not here 

To trouble holy rest ; heaven casts thee out 

From all her confines. Heaven the seat of bliss. 

Brooks not the works of violence and war : 

Hence then, and evil go with thee along, 275 

Thy offspring, to the place of evil, hell, 

Thou and thy wicked crew ; there mingle broils, 

Ere this avenging sword begin thy doom, 

Or som3 more sudden vengeance, wing'd from God, 

Precipitate thee with augmented pain!' 280 

" So spake the prince of angels ; to whom thus 
The adversary ; * Nor think thou with wind 
Of airy threats to awe whom yet with deeds 
Thou canst not. Hast thou turn'd the least of these 
To flight, or if to fall, but that they rise 285 

tJnvanquish'd, easier to transact with me 
That thou shouldst hope, imperious, and with threats 
To chase me hence ? err not that so shall end 
The strife which thou call'st evil, but we style 
The strife of glory ; which we mean to win, 29U 
Or turn this heaven itself into the hell 
Thou fablest, here however to dwell free, 
[f not to reign : meanwhile thy utmost force, 
And join him nam'd Almighty to thy aid, 
I fly not, but have sought thee far and nigh.' 295 

" They ended parle, and both address'd for fight 
Unspeakable ; for who, though with the tongue 
Of angels, can relate, or to what things 
Liken on earth conspicuous, that may lift 
Human imagination lo such height SOU 

Of godlike power? for likest gods they scem'd, 
Stood they or mov'd, in stature, motion, aims. 
Fit to decide the empire of great heaven. 
Now wav'd their fiery swords, and in the air 
Made horrid circles ; two broad suns their shields 305 
Blaz'd opposite, while expectation stood 
Tn horror ; from each hand with speed retir'd, 
Where erst was thickest fight, th' angelic throng, 
And left large fields unsafe within the wind 
Of such commotion : such as, to set forth 310 

Great things by small, if Nature's concord broke 



134 PAKAUISL' LOST. [Book VL 

Among the constellations war were sprung, 

Two planets rushing from aspect maUgn 

Of fiercest opposition in mid-sky 

Should combat, and their jarring spheres confound, 

Toj^ether both with next t' Almighty am 316 

Uplifted eminent, one stroke they aim'd 

That might determine, and not need repeat, 

As not of power at once ; nor odds appear'd 

[n might or swift prevention : but the sword 320 

Of Michael, from the armoury of God, 

Was given him temper'd so, that neither keen 

Nor solid might i-esist that edge ; it met 

The sword of Satan with steep force to smite 

Descending, and in half cut sheer; nor stay'd, 325 

But with swift wheel reverse, deep ent'ring shar'd 

All his right side : then Satan first knew pain, 

And writh'd him to and fro convoiv'd ; so sore 

The grinding sword with discontinuous wound 

Pass'd thro' him ; but th' ethei-eal substance clos'd. 

Not long divisible ; and from the gash 33 J 

A stream of hect'rous humour issuing flow'd 

Sanguine, such as celestial spirits may bleed, 

And all his armour slain'd ere while so bright. 

Forthwith on all sides to his aid was run 335 

By angels many and strong, who interpos'd 

Defence, while others bore him on their shields 

Back to his chariot, where it stood retn-'d 

From off the files of war ; there they him laid 

Gnashing for anguish, and despite, and shame, 340 

To find himself not matchless, and his pride 

Humbled by such rebuke, so far bencatii 

His confidence to equal God in power. 

Yet soon he heal'd ; for spirits that live throughout 

Vital in every part, not as frail man 345 

In entrails, heart or head, liver or reins, 

Cannot but by annihilating die ; 

Nor in their liquid texture mortal wound 

Receive, no more than can the fluid air : 

All heart they live, all head, all eye, all ear, 350 

All intellect, all sense ; and as they please, 

They limb themselves, and colour, shape, or size, 

Assume, as likes them best, condense or rare. 

" Meanwhile in other parts like deeds deserved 
Memorial, where the might o" Gabriel fought, 35 ^ 



Book VL] PARADISE LOST. 135 

And with fierce ensigns pierc'tl the deep array 

Of Moloch, furious king ; who him dened, 

And at hrs chariot-wheels to drag liim bound 

Threaten'd, nor from the Holy One of heaven 

Refrain'd his tongue blasphemous ; but anon, 360 

Down cloven to the waist, with shatter'd arms 

And uncouth pain, fled bellowing. On each wing 

Uriel and Raphael his vaunting foe, 

Though huge, and in a rock of diamond arm*d, 

Vanquish'd Adramelech and Asmadai, 365 

Two potent thrones, that to be less than gods 

Disdam'd, but meaner thoughts learn'd in their flight, 

Mangled with ghastly wounds thro' plate and mail, 

Nor stood unmindful Abdiel to annoy 

The atheist crew, but with redoubled blow 370 

Ariel and Arioch, and the violence 

Of Ramicl, scorch'd and blasted, overthrew. 

I might relate of thousands, and their names 

Eternize here on earth ; but those elect 

Angels, contented with their fame in heaven, 375 

Seek not the praise of men : the other sort, 

[n might though wondrou?, and in acts of war, 

Nor of renown less eager, yet by doom 

Cancel'd from heaven and sacred memory, 

Nameless in dark oblivion let tliem dwell. 3S0 

For strength, from truth divided and from just, 

Illaudable, nought merits but dispraise 

And ignominy, yet to glory aspires 

Vain glorious, and through infamy seeks fame : 

Therefore eternal silence be their doom. 385 

"And now their mightiest quelPd, the battle 
swerv'd. 
With many an inroad gor'd : defomied rout 
Enter'd, and foul disorder ; all the ground 
With shiver'd armour strown, and on a heap 
Chariot, and charioteer lay overturn'd, 390 

And fiery foaming steeds ; what stood, recoii'd, 
O'erwearied, through the faint Satanic host 
Defensive scarce, or with pale fear surpris'd, 
Then first with fear surpris'd and sense of pain, 
Fled ignominious, to such evil brought 396 

By sin of disobedience, till that hour 
Not liable to fear, or flight, or pain. 
Far othei wise, th' inviolable saints 



186 PARADISE LOST. [Book VI. 

In culric phalanx firm advanc'd entire, 
Invulnerable, impenetrably arm'd ; 400 

Such high advajitages theu- innocence 
Gave them above their foes, not to have sinn'd, 
Not to have disobey'd ; in fight they stood 
Unwearied, unobnoxious to be pain'd 404 

^y wound, tho' from their place by violence mov'd. 

"Now night her course began, and over heaven 
Inducing darkness, grateful truce impos'd. 
And silence on the odious din of war : 
Under her cloudy covert both retir'd, 
Victor and vanquish'd. On the foughten field 410 
Michael and his angels prevalent 
Encamping, plac'd m guard their watches round. 
Cherubic waving fires : on th' other part 
Satan with his rebellious disappear'd, 
Far in the dark dislodg'd ; and, void of rest, 416 
His potentates to council calPd by night ; 
And in the midst thus undismay'd began : 

" * O now in danger tried, now known in anna 
Not to be overpower'd, companions dear, 
Found worthy not of liberty alone, 420 

Too mean pretence, but, what we more affect, 
Honour, dominion, glory, and renown ; 
Who have sustain'd one day in doubtful fight, 
(And if one day, why not eternal days?) 
What heavens's Lord had powerfuUest to send 426 
Against us from about his throne, and judg'd 
Sufficient to subdue us to his will, 
But proves not so : then fallible, it seems, 
Of future we may deem him, though till now 
Omniscient thought. True is, less firmly arm'd, 430 
Some disadvantage we endur'd and pain. 
Till noAv not known, but known, as soon contemn'd ; 
Since now v/e find this our empyreal form 
Incapable of mortal injury, 

Imperishable, and, though pierc'd with wounds, 43c 
Soon closing, and by native vigour heal'd. 
Of evil then so small, as easy think 
The remedy ; perhaps more valid arms, 
Weapons more violent, when next we meet, 
May serve to better us, and worse our foes, 440 

Or equal what between us mad', the odds.. 



Book ri.\ PARADISE LOST. 137 

In nature none : if other hidden cause 
Left them superior, while we can preserve 
Unhurt our minds and understanding sound, 
Due search and consultation will disclose.' 445 

" He sat ; and in th' assembly next upstood 
Nisroch, of principalities the prime; 
As one he stood escap'd from cruel fight, 
Sore toil'd, his riven arms to havoc hewn, 
And cloudy in aspect thus answ'ring spake : 450 
* Deliverer from new Lords, leader to free 
Enjoyment of our right as gods ; yet hard 
For gods, and too unequal work we find, 
Agamst unequal arms to fight in pain, 
Against unpain'd, impassive ; from wliich evil 455 
Ruin must needs ensue ; for what avails 
Valour or strength, though matchless, queli'd with pain 
Which all subdues, and makes remiss the hands 
Of mightiest? Sense of plearure we may well 
Spare out of life perhaps, and not repine, 460 

But live content, which is the calmest life 
But pain is perfect niiseiy, the worst 
Of evils, and excessive, overturns 
All patience. He who, therefore, can invent 
With what more forcible we may offend 465 

Our yet unwounded enemies, or arm 
Ourselves with like defence, to me deserves 
No less than for deliverance what we owe.' 

" WTiereto with look compos'd Satan replied ; 
'Not uninvented that, which thou aright 470 

Belie v'st so main to our success, I bring. 
Which of us who beholds the bright surface 
Of tliis ethereous mould whereon we stand. 
This continent of spacious heaven, adorn'd 474 

With plant, fruit, flower ambrosial, gems, and gold ; 
Whor.e eye so superficially surveys 
These thmgs, as not to mind from whence they grou 
Deep under ground, materials dark and crude. 
Of spiritous and fiery spume, till touch'd 
Witnlieaven's ray, and temper'd, they shoot forth 
So beauteous, opening to the ambient light ? 431 
These in their dark nativity the deep 
Shall yield us pregnant with infernal flame; 
Which into hollow engines lung and round 
2* 



13b PARADISE LOST. [Bcok VL 

Thick-ramm'd, at th' other bore with touch of fire 
Dilated and infuriate, shall send forth 486 

From far, with thund'ring noise, among our foes 
Such implements of mischief, as shall dash 
To pieces, and o'er whelm whatever stands 
Adverse, that they shall fear we have disarmed 490 
The Thund'rer of his only dreaded bolt. 
Nor long shall be our labour ; yet ere dawn 
Effect shall end our wish. Meanwhile revive ; 
Abandon fear ; to strength and counsel joined 
Think nothing hard, much less to be despair'd.' 495 

*'He ended, and his words their drooping cheer 
Enlighten'd, and their languish'd hope reviv'd. 
Th' invention all admir'd, and each how he 
To be th' inventor miss'd ; so easy it seem'd 
Once found, which yet unfound, most would have 
thought 500 

Impossible : yet haply of thy race. 
In future days, if malice should abound, 
Some one, intent on mischief, or inspir'd 
With devilish machination, might devise 
Like instrument to plague the sons of men 505 

For sin, on war and mutual slaughter bent. 
Forthwith from council to the work they flew ; 
None arguing stood ; innumerable hands 
Were ready ; in a moment up they turn'd 
Wide the celestial soil, and saw beneath Sid 

Th' originals of nature in their crude 
Conception ; sulphurous and nitrous foam 
They found, they mingied, and with subtle art, 
Concocted and adjusted, they reduc'd 
To blackest grain, and into store convey'd : 515 

Part hidden veins digg' i up (nor hath this earth 
Entrails unlike) of mineral and stone. 
Whereof to found their engines and their balls 
Of missive ruin ; part incentive reed 
Provide, pernicious with one touch to fire. 520 

So all ere day-spring, under conscious night, 
Secret they finish'd and in order set. 
With silent circumspection unespied. 

" Now when fair morn orient in heaven appear'cl. 
Up rose the victor angels, and to arn\s 525 

Tne matin trumpet sun^ : in arms they stood 



Book VL\ PARADISE LOST 139 

Of golden panoply, refulgent host, 

Soon banded ; others from the dawning liills 

Look'd round, and scouts each coast ligbt-arm'd scour 

Each quarter, to descry the distant foe, 530 

Where lodg'd, or whither fled, or if for fight, 

In motion cr in halt : him soon they met 

Under spread ensigns moving nigh, in slow 

But firm battalion ; back with speediest sail 

Zophiel, of cherubim the swiftest wing, 536 

Came flying, and in mid air aloud thus cried : 



u t 



Arm v/arriors, arm for fight ; the foe at hand, 
Wiiom fled we thought, will save us long pursuit 
This day ; fear not his flight ; so thick a cloud 
He comos, and settled in his face I see 540 

Sad resolution and secure ; let each 
His adamantine coat gird well, and each 
Fit well liis helm, gripe fast his orbed shield, 
Borne even or high ; for tliis day will pour down, 
ff I conjecture ought, no drizzling snower, 545 

But rattling storm of arrows barb'd with fire.' 

" So warn'd he them, aware themselves, and soon 
In order, quit of all impediment ; 
Instant without disturb tliey took alarm. 
And onward move embattled : when behold 550 
Not distant far with heavy pace the foe 
Approaching, gross and huge, in hollow cube 
Training his devilish enginry, irapal'd 
On every side with shadowino; squadrons deep. 
To hide the fraud. At interview both stood 555 

Awhile ; but suddenly at head appear'd 
Satan, and thus was heard commanding loud : 

" * Vanguard, to right and left the front unfold ; 
That all may see who hate us, how we seek 
Peace and composure, and with open breast 560 
Stand ready to receive them, if they like 
Our overture, and turn not back perverse ; 
But tiiat I doubt ; however, witness heaven. 
Heaven witness thou anon, Avhile we discharge 
Freely our part , ye who appointed stand, 565 

Do as you have in charge, and briefly touch 
Wliat we propouH'l, and loud that all may hear.' 



ffe PARADISE LOST. [Booh VM 

" So scoffing in ambiguous words, he scarce 
Had ended, when to right and 'eft the front 
Divided, nnd to either fiank retired ; 578 

Wliich to our eyes discover'd, new and strange, 
A triple mounted row of pillars laid 
On wheels (for like to pillars most they scem'd 
Or hollow'd bodies made of oak or fir, 
With branches lopt, in wood or mountain felPd) 575 
Brass, iron, stony mould, had not their mouths 
With hideous onfice gap'd on us wide. 
Portending hollow truce : at each behind 
A sera])h stood, and in his hand a reed 
Stood waving tipt with fire ; while Ave suspense 58& 
Collected stood within our thoughts amus'd j 
Not long, for sudden all at once their reeds 
Put forth, ai>d to a narrow vent applied 
With nicest touch. Immediate in a flame, 584 

But soon obscur'd with smoke, all heaven appear'd. 
From those deep-throated engines belch'd, whose roa> 
Embowel'd with outrageous noise the air, 
And all her entrails tore, disgoi-ging foul 
Their devilish glut, chain'd thunderbolts and hail 
Of iron globes ; whidi on the victor host 590 

LcvclM, with such impetuous fury smote. 
That whom they hit, none on then* feet might stand^ 
Though standing else as rocks, but down they fell 
By thousands, angel on archangel roU'd ; 
The sooner for their ai-ms ; unarm'd they might 5^5 
Have easily as spirits evaded swift 
By quick contraction or remove ; but now 
Foul dissipation follow'd and foi-c'd roxrt ; 
Nor serv'd it to relax their serried files. 
What should they do ? if on they rush'd, repulse 60(? 
Repeated, and indecent overthrow 
Doubled, would render them yet more despis'd, 
And to their foes a laughter ; for in view 
Stood rank'd of seraphim another row. 
In posture to displode their second tire 605 

Of thunder : back defeated to return 
They woi-se abhorrM. Satan beheld their plight. 
And to his mates thus in derision called : 

" ' O friends t why come not oa these victors 
proud ? 
Ere while they fierce were eommg j and when we 610 



hcok yi.] PARADISL LOST. 141 

To entertain them fair with open front 

And breast, (what could we more ?) propounded terms 

Of composition, straight they chang'd tJicir minds, 

Flew off, and into strange vagaries fell, 614 

As they would dance ; yet for a dance they seem'd 

Somewhat extravagant and wild, perhaps 

For joy of offered peace : but I suppose, 

If our proposals once again were neard, 

We should compel them to a quick result.' 

" To whom thus Belial in like gamesome mood : 620 
' Leader ! the terms we sent were terms of weight, 
Of hard contents, and full of force urg'd home. 
Such as we might perceive amus'd them all, 
And stumbled many ; who receives them right. 
Had need from head to foot well understand ; 625 
Not understood, this gift they have besides. 
They show us when our foes walk not upright.' 

" So they among themselves in pleasant vein 
Stood scoffing, heighten'd in their thoughts beyond 
All doubt of victory ; eternal might 630 

To match with their inventions they presumed 
So easy, and of his thunder made a scorn. 
And all his host derided, while they stood 
Awhile in trouble : but they stood not long ; 
Rage prompted them at length, and found them ann» 
Against such hellish mischief fit t' oppose. 636 

Forthwith (behold the excellence, the power, 
Which God hath in his mighty angels plac'd) 
Their arms away they threw, and to the hills 
(For earth hath this variety from heaven 640 

Of pleasure situate in hill and dale) 
Lignt as the lightning glimpse they ran, they flew : 
From their foundations loo&'nin^ to and fro 
They pluck'd the seated hills with all their load, 
Rocks, waters, woods, and by the shaggy tops 645 
Uplifting bore them in their hands. Amaze, 
Be sure, and terror seiz'd the rebel host. 
When coming towards them so dread they saw 
The bottom of the mountains upward turn'd ; 
rill on those cursed engines triple-row 65U 

They saw them whelm'd, and all their confidence 
Under the weight of mountains buried deep ; 
ThjemseJves invaded next, and on tlveir heads 



142 PARADISE LOST. [Book Vl 

Main promontories flung, which in the air 654 

Came shadowing, and oppress'd whole legions arm'd j 
Their annour help'd their harm, crush'd in and 

bruis'd 
Into their substance pent, which wrought them painr 
Implacable, and many a dolorous groan. 
Long struggling underneath, ere they could wind 
Out of sucii prison, though spirits of purest light, 
Purest at first, now gross by sinning grown. 661 
The rest, in imitation, to hke arms 
Betook them, and the neighb'ring hills uptore ; 
So hills amid the air encountered hills, 
Hurl'd to and fro with jaculatioji dire, 66i 

That under ground they fought in dismal shade j 
Infernal noise ; xvar seem'd a civil game 
To this uproar ; horrid confusion heap'd 
Upjon confusion rose. And now all heaven 
Had gone to wrack, with ruin overspread, 670 

Had not th' almighty Father, where he sits 
Shrin'd in his sanctuary of heaven secure, 
Consulting on the sum of things, foi*eseen 
This tumult, and permitted ali, advis'tl ; 
That his great purpose he might so fulfil, &T& 

To honour his anointed Son aveng'd 
Upon his enemies, and to declare 
All power on him transferred ; whence to his Sor 



" ' Eflfulgence of my glory, Son belov'd, 68® 

Son, in whose face invisible is beheld. 
Visibly, what by deity I am. 
And in whose hand what by decree I do, 
Second Omnipotence ; two days are past, 
Two days, as we compute the days of heaven, 685 
Since Michael and his powers went forth to tame 
These disobedient : sore halh been their fight, 
As likeliest was, when two such foes met arm'd; 
For to themselves I left them, and thou know'st, 
Equal in their creation they w 3re form'd, 6^ 

Save what sin hath impair'd, which yet Lath wrought 
Insensibly, for I suspend their doom ; 
Whence m perpetual fight they needs must last 
Endless, and no solution will be found. 
War wearied hath perform'd what war can do, 695 
4.nd to disordered rage let loose the reins^ 



Bv0li Vl-\ I'AKADISE LOST. 145 

With Tioun tains as with weapons arm'd, which 

makes 
Wild work i>\ heaven, and dangerous to the main. 
Two Clays are therefore fiass'd, the third is tliine; 
For thee I have ordain'd it, and tlius far 700 

Have sufler'd, that the glory may be thine 
Of ending this great war, since none but Thou 
Can end it. Into thee such virtue and grace 
Immense I have transfus'd, that all may know 
In heaven and hell thy power above compare ; 705 
And this perverse commotion govern'd thus. 
To manifest thee worthiest to be Heir 
Of all things, to be Heir, and to be King 
By sacred unction, thy deserv'd right. 
Go then, thou Mightiest, in thy Father's might, 710 
Ascend my chariot, gtiide the rapid wheels 
That shake heaven's basis, bring forth all my war. 
My bow and thunder, my almighty arms 
Gird on, and sword upon thy puissant thigh ; 
Pursue these sons of darkness, drive them out 715 
From all heaven's bounds into the utter deep : 
There let them learn, 51s likes them, to despise 
God, and Messiah his anointed King.' 

"He said, and on his Son with rays direct 
Slrone full ; he all his Father full express'd 720 

Ineffably into his face receiv'd ; 
And thus the filial Godhead answ'ring spake : 

* * O Father, O supreme of heav'nly thrones, 
First, highest, holiest, best ! thou always seek'st 
To glorify thy Son, I always Thee, 725 

As is most just ; this I my glory account, 
My exaltation, and my whole delight. 
That thou in me, well pleas'd, declar'st tj;iy will 
Fulfill'd, which to fulfil is all my bliss. 
Swptre and power, thy giving, I assume, 730 

And gladlier shall resign, wlien in the end 
Thou shalt be all in all, and I in thee 
For ever, and in me all whom thou lor'st : 
But whom thou hatest I hate, and can put on 
Thy terrors, as I put thy mildness on, 735 

Image of thee in all things ; and shall soon, 
Arm'd with tliy might, rid heaven of these rebeil'd, 



144 PARADISE LOST. [Book Vi 

To their prepar'd ill mansion driven down, 

To chains of darkness, and th' undying woiin, 

That from thy just obedience could revolt, 740 

Whom to obey is happiness entire. 

Then shall thy saints unmix'd, and from th' impure 

Par separate, circling thy holy mount, 

Unfeigned hallelujahs to thee sing. 

Hymns of high praise, and I among them chief.' 

" So said, he, o'er his sceptre bowing, rose 745 
From the right hand of glory where he sat ; 
And the third sacred morn began to shine, 
Dawning through heaven : forth i-ush'd with whirl- 
wind round 
The chariot of paternal Deity, 750 

Flashing thick flames, wheel within wheel undrawn. 
Itself instinct with spirit, but convey'd 
By four cherubic shapes ; four faces each 
Had wondrous ; as with stars their bodies all 
And wings were set with eyes, with eyes the wheels 
Of beryl, and careering fires between ; 756 

Over their heads a crystal firmament 
Whereon a sapphire throne inlaid with pure 
Amber, and colours of the showery arch. 
He in celestial panoply all arm'd 760 

Of radiant Urim, work divinely wrought. 
Ascended , at his right hand victory 
Sat eagle- wing'd ; beside him hung his bow 
And quiver with three-bolted thunder storM, 
And from about him fierce effuson roU'd 765 

Of smoke and bickering flames and sparkles dh"e 
Attended with ten thousand thousand saints 
He onward came, far off his coming shone ; 
And twenty thousand (I their number heard) 
Chariots of God, half on each hand were seen : 77f' 
He on the wings of cherub rode sublime 
On the chrstalline sky, in sapphire thron'd, 
Illustrious far and wide, but by his own 
First seen ; them unexpected joy surpris'd 
When the great ensign of Messiah blaz'd 77t 

Aloft by angels borne, his sign in heaven ; 
Under whose conduct Michael soon reduc'd 
His army, circumfus'd on either wing, 
Under their head embodied all in one. 



Book FL] PARADISE LOST. 1 4o 

Before him power divine his way prepar'd : 7 SO 

At his command th' uprooted hills retir'd 

Each to his place ; they heard his voice and went 

Obsequious ; heaven his wonted face renew'd, 

And with fresh flowerets hill and valley smil'd. 

This saw his hapless foes, but stood obdur'd, 785 

And to rebellious fight rallied their powers 

Insensate, hope conceiving from despair. 

In heavenly spirits could such perverseness dwell, 

But to convince the proud wliat signs avail, 

Or wonders move, th' obdurate to relent ? ^ 790 

They, harden'd more by what might most reclaim. 

Grieving to see his glory, at the sight 

Took envy ; and, aspinng to his height, 

Stood re-embattled fierce, by force or fraud 

Weening to prosper and at length prevail 795 

Against God and Messiah, or to fall 

In universal ruin last ; and now 

To final battle drew, disdaining flight, 

Or faint retreat ; when the great Son of God 

To all his host on either hand thus spake : 800 

" ' Stand still in bright array, ye saints ! here 
stand, 
Ye ange's arm'd, this day from battle rest ; 
Faithful hath been your warfare, and of God 
Accepted, fearless in his righteous cause ; 
And as ye have receiv'd, so have ye done 805 

Invincibly ; but of this cursed crew 
The punishment to other hand belongs •„ 
Vengeance is his, or whose he sole appoints 
Number to this day's work is not ordain'd, 
Nor multitude ; stand only and behold 810 

God's indignation on these godless pour'd 
By me ; not y(^, but me, they have despis'd 
Yet envied ; against me is all their rage. 
Because the Father, to wiiom in heaven supreme 
Kingdom, and power, and glory appertains, 815 

Hath honour'd me according to his will. 
Thei-efore to me their doom he hath assign'd ; 
That they may have their wish, to try with me 
In battle which the stronger proves ; they all, 
Or I alone against them, since by strength 820 

They measure all, of other excellence 

13 



146 , PARADISE LOST. fBook Vt 

Not emulous, nor care v/ho them excels ; 
Nor other strife with them do I vouchsafe.' 

" So spake the Son, and into terror chang'd 
His count'nance, too severe to be beheld, 825 

And full of wrath bent on his enemies. 
At once the Four spread out their starry wmgs. 
With dreadful shade contiguous, and the orbs 
Of his fierce chariot rolj'd, as with the sound 
Of torrent floods, or of a numerous host. 830 

He on his impious foes right onward drove. 
Gloomy as night ; under his burning wheels 
The steadfast empyrean shook tnroughout, 
All but the throns itself of God. Full soon 
Among them he arriv'd, in his right hand 835 

Grasping ten thousand thunders, which be sent 
Before him, such as in their souls innx'a 
Plagues ; they, astonish'd, all resistance lost. 
All courage down their idle weapons dropp'd ; 
O'er shields, and helms, and helmed heads he rode 
Of thrones, and mighty seraphim prostrate, ^ 841 
That wish'd the mountains now might be again 
Thrown on them as a shelter from his ire. 
Nor less on either side tempestuous fell 
His arrows, from the fourfold- visag'd Four 84.'i 

Distinct Avith eyes, and from the living wheels 
Distinct alike with multitude of eyes; 
One spirit in them rul'd, and every eye 
Glar'd hghtning, and shot forth pernicious fire 
Among tb' accurs'd, that wither'd all their strength, 
And of their wonted vigour left them drain'd, 851 
Exhausted, spiritless, afflicted, fall'n. 
Yet half his strength he put not forth, out check'd 
His thunder in mid volley : for he meant 
Not to destroy, but root them out of#eaven: 855 
The overthrown Kf rais'd, and, as a herd 
Of goats or timorous flock together throng'd, 
Drove them before liim thunder-struck, pursu'd. 
With terrors and with furies, to the bounds 
And crystal wall ol heaven, which opening wide 860 
Roll'd inward, and a spacious gap disclos'd 
Into the wasetful deep ; the monstrous sigh., 
Struck them with horror backward, but far worse. 
IJrg'd them behind ; headlong themselves they threw 



Book VL] PARADISE LOST. 147 

Down from the verge of heaven ; etetna? wrath 865 
Bui-n'd after them to the bottomless pit. 

" Hel! heard th' unsufferable noise, hell saw 
1 loavea ruining from heaven, and wourd have f!ed 
Atfrighted ; but strict Fate had cast too deep 
Her dark foundations, and too fast had bound. 870 
lN"ine c lys they fell ; confounded Chaos roar'd, 
And felt tenfold confusion in their fall 
Through his wild anarchy, so huge a rout 
Encumbcr'd him with ruin : hell at last 
Yawning receiv'd them whole, and on them clos'd: 
Hell, their fit habitation, fraught with fire 876 

Unquenchable, the house of woe and pain. 
Disburden'd heaven rejoic'd, and soon repair'd 
Her mural breach, returning whence it roll'd. 

" Sole victor, from th' expulsion of his foes, 880 
Messiah his triumphal chariot turn'd : 
To meet him all his saints, who silent stood 
Eye-witnesses of his almighty acts, 
\Vith jubilee advanc'd ; and as they went, 
, Shaded with branching palm, each order bright, 885 
Sung triumph, aid him sung victorious King, 
Son, Heir, and Lord ! to him dominion given, 
Worthiest to reign : he celebrated rode 
Triumphant through rnid heaven, into the courts 
And temple of his miglUy Father thron'd 890 

On high ; who into glory'him receiv'd, 
Where now he sits at the right hand of bliss. 

**Thus, mcEisuring things in heaven by things on 
earth. 
At thy request, and that thou may'st beware 
By what is past, to thee I have reveal'd 89f 

What might have else to human race been hid ; 
The discord which befel, and war in heaven 
Among the angelic powers, and the deep fall 
Of those too high aspirmg, who rebell'd 
With Satan ; he who envies now thy state, DOC 

Who now is ^ilottin^ how he may seduce 
Thee also from obedience, that with him, 
Bereav'd of happiness, thou may'st partaKe 
His punishment, eternal misery ; 



148 PARADISE LOST. [Book VL 

Which would be all his solace and i-evenge, 905 

As a despite done against the Most H.gh, 
Thee once to gain companion of his wee. 
But listen not to his temptations ; warn 
Thy weaker ; let it profit thee to have heard, 
By terrible example, the reward 910 

Of disobedience ; firm they might ^ave stood, 
Yet fell. Remember^ and fear to transgress " 



END ro BOOK SIXTH. 



PARADISE LOST. 



BOOK VII. 



THE ARGUMENT. 



Raphael, at, the request of Adam, relates how and 
wherefore this xoorld was first created ; that God, 
after the expelling of Satan and his angels out oj 
heaven, declared his pleasure to create another world, 
mid other creatures to dwell therein ; sends his Son 
with glory and attendance of angels to perform the 
toork of creation in six days : the angels celebrate with 
hymns the performance thereof, and his re-ascension 
into heaven. 



Descend from heaven, Urania ! by that name 
If rightly thou art call'd, whose voice divine 
Following, above th' Olympian hill I soar, 
Above tlie flight of Pegasean wing. 
The meaning not the name, I call : for thou 
Nor of the Muses nine, nor on the top 
Of old Olympiis dwell'st ; but, heavenly born, 
Before the hills appear'd, or fountain flow'd, 
Thou with eternal Wisdom didst converse, 
Wisdom thy sister, and with her didst play 10 

In presence of th' almighty Father, pleas'd 
With thy celvjstial song. Up led by thee 
Into the heaven of heavens I have presum'a, 
An earthly guest, and drawn empyreal air, 
Thy temp'ring ; with like safety guided down 15 
Return me to my native element t 
Lest from this flying steed unrein'd, (as once 
Bellerophon, though from a lower clime,) 
Dismounted, on th' Aleian field F fail, 
Erroneous there to wander, and forlorn, 20 

13* 



150 PARADISE LOST. [B<->ok ^h 

Halfvrt remains wnsxin^r. l>\it narrow bound 

W:;:-'m the Msiblr oir.vnnl inhere; 

Srnnii.; £ or. c:v.;h. i\-^; ^^ r.-.-.\.i';i4;ibove ihd pole, 

Moi-c sate 1 > r: -^ -"^ -^ v ^ .« ^••^'•"'^^.nrM 

To hoarse. v^;\ys, 25 

On evil days --t^* ; 

In darkness, ai^.i wjiii dance: ;^ Cwr.;i.x.ss"d round, 

And solitude ; yei not alone, while thou 

Visirs' rnvslumK"? - ,-i- - , or when nioi-n 

ri:r:>.c<: ihe cast, ^ i ill ou my song, 30 

Umnia ! and fit a .i iliousrh fev. 

But drive tar otf iIk- Uu-oarous dissonance 

Of Baochas arui has revellers. 0>e rare. 

c- • ■- ■ ^ ■^'- -^^-d 

. n:-s 35 

i, ..., :.- -^^ ^ ,- _ nd^ 

Boih iiarp and voice; nor couiu tiie iViuse defcBQ 
Her son. So foil not ihou, vho Uiee iniploi-es; 
For ihou ari heaveailT, she an emptj dreanv 

Sar, iroddcss, -what ensrtcii when Raphael, -IC 
The affable archanirol, had forewarnM 
Adara by dire exanvjile to beirare 
Apostacy, by what befell in heaven 
To tiiosc apostates, Ic^st iJie like befall 
In Paradise to Adasn or his race., 45 

Ciiarc'd noi to touch the interdicted tre«. 
If tliey transgress, axid slight that sole ccasfflftjmd, 
So easily obey'd, an:iid the cJioice 
Of all tAstes else to please dieir appetite, 
T' _ "^ '■ c He -wiih his consorted Eve 50 

itentive, and was nllM 
\ V and deep muse, to hear 

Oi thimrs so iu^li ai>d stj-an£:c^ tilings to their thougiit 
So xinin"va2:inal^e as hate inlieavcn, 
Ani v-ar s.- . - ' ; .\ce of God in bliss 55 

Wi;b. s.iri: . ^ut the evil soon, 

Driven ba:.k, _- i as a fiood on those 

From \rhom it spruR^, impossiHe to mix 

Witi blessedne^ Whence Adam soon repealed 

The doubti. thai in his heart arose : and now 6^ 

Led oru yet sir.less. wnh desire to know 

%Vl(at nearer migtii concern him ; how this xrorld 

Of heavea and eartli conspicuous first began, 

When, atid whereof created, for what cause. 



BookVIL] PARADISE LOST. 151 

What witliin Eden, or without «i^as done 65 

Before hisniemnry ; a.s one whose drou^^ht, 
Yet scarce ailay'd, siill eyes the CMrrenl .stream, 
Whose liouid munnur heard new thirst excites, 
Proceeded thu-s to ask his heavenly guest : 

*'Great things, and full of wonder in our ears, 70 
Far difiering from ihi.s world, thou hast reveal'd, 
Divine interpreter, by favour sent 
Down from the empyrean to forewarn 
Us timely of what mi^lit else have been our loss, 74 
Unknown, which human knowledge could not reach : 
For which to th' infinitely Good we OT^e 
Immortal thanks, and his admonishment 
Receive, with solemn purpose to observe 
Immutably his sov'reign will, the end 
Of what we aro. But since thou hast vouchsjird 8f» 
Gently for our instruction to impart 
Things above earthly thought, which yet conccm'd 
Our knowing, as to highest wisdom seem'd, 
Deign to descend now lower, and relate 
What may no less r>erhap3 avail us known ; 85 

How first began this heaven, which we behold 
Distant so high, with moving fires adom'd 
Innumerable, and this which yields or fills 
All space, the ambient air wide interfus'd 
Embracing round this florid earth ; what cause 90 
Mov'd the Creator, in his holy rest 
Through all eternity, so late to build 
In Chaos, and, the work begun, how soor 
Absolved, if unforbid thou may'st unfold 
Wlmt we, not to explore the secrets, ask 95 

Of his eternal empire, but the more 
To magnify his works the more we know. 
And the gi-eat light of day yet wants to run 
Much of his race tho' steep ; suspense in hearen, 
Held by thy voice, thy potent voice, he hears, 100 
And longer will delay to hear thee tell 
His generation, and the nsmg birth 
Of Nature from the unapparent deep • 
Or if the star of evening and the moon 
Haste to thy audience, night wkh her will bring 10£ 
Silence, ana sleep, list'ning to thee, will watch 
Or we can bid his absence, till thy song 
End, dismiss thee ere the morning siiine." 



152 PARADISE LOST. [Book Fij 

Thus Adam his illustrious guest besought ; 
And thus the godhke angel answer'd mild : 1 10 

" This also thy request, with caution ask'd, 
Obtain : though to recount almighty works 
What words or tongue of seraph can suffice, 
Or heart of man suffice to comprehend ? 
Yet what thou can'st attain, which best may serve 
To glorify the Maker, and infer 116 

Thee also happier, shall not be withheld 
Thy hearing ; such commission from above 
I have receiv'd, to answer thy desire 
Of knowledge within bounds; beyond abstain 120 
To ask, nor let thine own inventions hope 
Things not reveal'd, which th' invisible King, 
Only omniscient, hath suppress'd in night. 
To none communicable in earth or heaven : 
Enough is left besides to search and know. 125 

But knowledge is as food, and needs no less 
Her temp'rance over appetite, to know 
In measure what the mind may well contain ; 
Oppresses else with surfeit, and soon turns 
Wisdom to folly, as nourishment to wind. 130 

" Know then, that after Lucifer from heaven / 
(So call him, brighter once amidst the host 
Of angels than that star the stars among) 
Fell with his flaming legions through the deep 
Into his place, and the great Son return'd 135 

Victorious with his saints, th' omnipotent 
Eternal Father from his throne beheld 
Their multitude, and to his Son thus spake : 

" * At least our envious foe hath fail'd, who thought 
All like himself rebellious, by whose aid 140 

This inaccessible high strength, the seat 
Of Deity supreme, us dispossess'd, 
He trusted to have seiz'd, and into fraud 
Drew many, whom their place knows here no more ; 
Yet far the greater part have kept, I see, 145 

Their station ; heaven yet populous retains 
Number sufficient to possess her realms 
Though wide, and this high temple to frequent 
With ministeries due and solemn rites : 



Book V-IL] PARADISE LOST. 153 

But lest his heart exalt him in the harm 150 

Already done, to have dispeopled heaven, 
My damage fondly deem'd, I can repair 
That detrnnent, if such it be to lose 
Self-lost, and in a moment will create 
Another world, out of one man a race - 155 

Of men innumerable, there to dwell, 
Not here, till by degrees of merit rais'd 
They open to themselves at length the way 
Up hither, under long obedience tried, 
And earth be chang'd to heaven, and heaven to 
earth, 160 

One kingdom, joy and union without end. 
Meanwhile inhabit lax, ye powers of heaven, 
And thou my Word, begotten Son, by thee 
This I perform ; speak thou, and be it done : 
My overshadowing Spirit and might with thee 165 
I send along ; ride forth, and bid the deep 
Within appointed bounds be heaven and earth, 
Boundless the deep, because I am who fill 
Infinitude, nor vacuous the space. 
Though I uncircumscrib'd myself retire, 170 

And put not forth my goodness, which is free 
To act or not, necessity and chance 
Approach not me, and what I will is fate.* 

" So spake th' Almig!ity, and to what he spake 
His Word, the filial Godhead, gave effect. 175 

Immediate are the acts of God, more swift 
Than time or motion ; but to human ears 
Cannot without process of speech be told. 
So told as earthly notion can receive. 
Great triumph and rejoicing was in heaven, 180 

When such was heaid declar'd th' Almighty's will j 
Glory they sung to the Most High, good- will 
To future men, and in their dwellings peace : 
Grlory to him, whose just avenging ire 
Had driven out th' ungodly from his sight, 185 

k.nd th' habitations of the just ; to him 
jrlory and praise, whose wisdom had ordain'd 
Grood out of evil to create, instead 
Of spirits malign, a better race to bring 
Into their vacant room, and thence diffuse 190 

nis good to worlds and ages infinite. 



PARAnSE LOST. : .n'lk VIl. 

"* So san^: th^ hicrarcliir^: : R-ican^ik ihe Son 

On 111? r'-;vi: t-vnf»,V,:-!,-in itav n-.v.if.ar'd, 
Gir: .nee crovn'd 

Of r. . ■">"^'e '5^^ 

Imrocnsc. ^' ne. 

About 1h< : 'd 

Cherub aii^ >. * 

And virtues. \« - p^ 

From th' am:io;i: -H^ 

Myriads between :\vo braza-.raour.i.a^is loi^'d. 
Aitiinst a solemn day, harness'd at hand, 
'" -••- \~- "-.rrc I and no\r car.ic forth 
within theni spirit Hv'd, 
: J- Lord : heaven open''d "vnde 20^ 
He: . ^ r^a^^ harmonioxis sound ! 

On £ > niovirur. to let forth 

An.: s. 

On . ^ ."^rtt the shore 

They vaew u uie vast iiuinea^ui aue al>T'ss -1 ^ 

Outraireoii? a? a soa. dark. Tvastefnl. vild. 

Up-" 

Anc 214 

Heu... , - ..-„ -. pole. 

*" Silence, ye troubled waTes, and ihou deep, 
peace!* 
Said then th' omnific Word, * your discord end : 
Nor?"-^ ' • ■•• 't- winsrs of cherubim 
Upi- y.^ryrode 

Fai ic world -unbom ; 2^' 

Fo! i.is voice. Him all his train 

FoL /;.T possession to behold 

,>c:- '^:— """ • '" "• --■-*. 

Tht . f hand 

He:. ■ _ . _ ^ i?2i 

In God's eieaiiai sukre, lo cii'cuiiijiciibe 
This •nniverse. and all created thinrs: 

ne " " ;■ " ' "d, 

Ro.. :rure, 

Anc i ._ _:..._ ._ c:y bonnds, 

This be uiy just circumference, O WDzid !' 23 1 

• Thus God the heaven created, thus ibc earth, 
Matter unformed and void : darknass profound 



Book VIIA PARADISE LOST. 155 

Covei'd til' abyss ; but on the wat'ry calm 

His brooding wings the Spirit jf GckJ outspriad, 235 

And vital viriuc infus'd, and vital warmth 

Throug^hfjiit tlie fluid mass ; but downward purg'd 

The black, larureous, cold, infernal dregs, 

Adverse to life ; then founded, then conglob'd 

Like things to like, the rest to several place 240 

Disparted, and between spun out the air: 

Ana earth self-balanc'd on her centre hung. 

" * Let there be light !' said God, and forthwith 
light 
Ethereal, first of things, quintessence pure. 
Sprung from the deep, and from her native cast 245 
1^ journey through the airy gloom began, 
Spher'd in a radiant cloud, for yet the sun 
W £is not ; she in a cloudy tabernacle 
Sojoum'd the while. God saw the light wa3 good ; 
And light from darkness by the hemisphere 250 

Divided : light the day, and darkness night 
He narn'd. Thus was the first day even and morn . 
Xor pass'd uncelebrated, nor unsung 
By the celestial choirs, when orient light 
Exhaling first from darkness they beheld ; 255 

Birth-day of heaven ai:d earth ! with joy and shout 
The hollow universal orb they fiU'd, 
And touch'd their golden harps, and hymning prais'd 
God and his works, Creator him they sung. 
Both when first evening was, and when first mom. 

" Agam, God said, ' Let there he firmament 261 
Amid the waters, and let it divide 
The waters from the waters !' And God made 
The firmajment, expanse of liquid, pure. 
Transparent, elemental air, ditlus'd 205 

In circuit to the uttermost convex 
Of tliis great round ; partition firm and sure. 
The waters underneath from those above 
Dividing ; for as earth, so he the world 
Built on circumfluous waters calno, in wide 270 

Crystalline ocean, an(4 the loud misrule 
Of Chaos far remov'd, lest fierce extremes 
Contiguous might distemper the whole frame. 
And heaven he nam'd the firmament : so even 
And morning chorus sung the second day. 275 



156 PARADISE LOST. [Book VII 

" The earth was form'd ; but in the womb as yet 
Of waters, embryon immature, involv'd, 
Appear'd not : over all the face of earth 
Mam ocean flow'd, not idle, but Avith warm 
Prolific humour soft'ning all her globe, 280 

Fermented the great mother to conceive. 
Satiate with genial moisture : when God said, 
' Be gather'd now ye waters under heaven 
Into one place, and let dry land appear !' 
Immediately the mountains huge appear 235 

Emergent, and their broad bare backs upheave 
Into the clouds, their tops ascend the sky ; 
So high as heav'd the tumid hills, so low 
Down sunk a hollow bottom broad and deep, 
Capacious bed of waters : thither they 290 

Hasted with glad precipitance, uproU'd 
As dro^s on dust conglobing from the dry ; 
Part rise in crystal wall, or ridge direct, 
For haste ; such flight the great command impressed 
On the swift floods. As armies at the call 295 

Of trumpet (for of armies thou hast heard) 
Troop to their standard, so the wat'ry throng, 
Wave rolling after wave, where way tliey found ; 
If steep, with torrent rapture ; if through plain, 
Soft-ebbing ; nor withstood them rock or hill ; 300 
But they, or under ground, or circuit wide 
With serpeot-error wandering, found their way, 
A.nd on the washy ooze deep channels v/ore ; 
Easy, ere God had bid the ground be dry, 
A.U but within those banks, where rivers now 305 
Stream, and perpetual draw their humid train. 
The dry land, earth, and the great receptacle 
Of congregated waters, he call'd seas : 
And saw that it was good, and said, ' Let the earth 
Put forth the verdant grass, herb yielding seed, 310 
And fruit-tree yielding fruit after her kind, 
Whose seed is in herself upon the earth '' 
He scarce had said, when the bare earth, till then 
Desert and bare, unsightly, unadorn'd, 
Brought forth the tender grass, Avhose verdure clad 
Her universal face with pleasant green ; 316 

Then herbs of every leaf, that sudden flowerM 
Opening their various colours, and made gay 
Her bosom smelling sweet ; and these scarce blown. 
Forth flourish'd thick tlie clustering vine,, forth crept 



Book VII.] PARADISE LOST. ♦ 157 

The smelling gourd, up stood the corny reed 321 
Embattled in her field, and th' humble shrub, 
And bush with frizzled hau- implicit : last 
Rose as in dance the stately trees, and spread 
Their branches hung with copious fruit, or gemm'd 
Their blossoms ; with high woods the hills were 

crown'd, 326 

Witli tufts the valleys, and each fountain side, 
With borders long the rivers ; that earth now 
Scem'd like to heaven, a seat v/here gods might 

dwell, 
Or wander with delight, and love to haunt _ 330 
Her sacred sliades : though God had yet not rain'd 
Upon the earth, and man to till the ground 
None was ; but from the earth a dewy mist 
Went up, and water'd all the ground, and each 334 
Plant of the field, which ere it M-a? in the th' earth 
God made, and every herb, before it grew 
On the green stem. God saw that it was good : 
So even and morn recorded the third day. 

" Again the Almighty spake : * Let there be lightj? 
High in th' expanse of heaven, to divide 340 

The day from night ; and let them be for signs. 
For seasons, and for days, and circling years ; 
And let them be for lights, as I ordain 
Their office in the firmament of heaven. 
To give light on the earth !' and it was so. 345 

And God made two great lights, great for their use 
Fo man, the greater to have rule by day, 
The less by night altern ; ard made the stars, 
And set them in the firmament of heaven 
T' illuminate the earth, and rule the day 350 

In their vicissitude, and rule the night, 
And light from darkness to divide. God saw 
Surveying his great work, that it was good : 
For of celestial bodies first the sun, 
A mighty sphere ! he fram'd ; unlightsome first, 355 
Though of ethereal mould ; then form'd the moon 
Globose, and every magnitude of stars. 
And sow'd with stars the heaven thick as a field. 
Of light by far the greater part he took, 
Transplanted from her cloudy shrine, m\d plac'd 3Gi 
In the sun's orb, made porous to receive 
And drink the liquid light, firm to retain 
14 



158 * PARADISE LOST. [Book VI), 

Her gather'd beams, great palace now of ligfu* 

Hither, as to their fountain, other stars 

Repairhig, in theii golden urns draw light, 365 

And hence the morning planet gilds her horns ; 

By tincture or reflection they augment 

Their small peculiar, thougii, from human signt 

So far remote, with diminution seen. 

First in his cast the glorious lamp was seen, 370 

Regent of day, and all th' horizon round 

Invested with bright rays, jocund to run 

His longitude through heaven's high road ; the grey 

Dawn and the Pleiades before him danc'd 

Shedding sweet influence. Less bright the moon, 375 

But opposite in levell'd west was set 

His min-or, with full face borrowing her light 

From him, for other light she needed none 

In that aspect, and still that distance keeps 

Till night, then in the east her turn she shines, 3S0 

Revolv'd on heaven's great axle, and her reign 

With thousand lesser hghts dividual holds, 

With thousand thousand stars, that then appeared 

Spangling the hemisphere. Then, first adorn'd 

With her bright lummaries that set and rose, 385 

Glad evening and glad morn crownM the fourth day 

" And God said', * Let the waters generate 
Reptile with spawn abundant, living soul : 
And let fowl fly above the earth, with wings 
Display'd on the open firmament of heaven!' 390 
And God created the great whales, and eacli 
Soul living, each that crept, which plentcously 
The waters generated b)?- their kinds ; 
And every bird of wing after his kind : 
And saw that it was good, and bless'd tnem, saying, 
' Be fruitful, multiply, and in the seas, S'Jb 

A nd lakes, and running streams, the waters fill j 
And let the fowl be multiplied on th' earth !' 
Forthwith the sounds and seas, each creek and bay. 
With fry innumerable swarm, and sluxils 400 

Offish, that with their fins and shining scales 
Glide under the green wave, in sculls that ofl' 
Bank the mid-sea : part single, or with mate, 
Graze the sea-weed, their pasture, and thro' groves 
Of coral stray, or, sporting, with Tjoick glance, 405 
Show to the sun their wav'd coats dropn'd withgojd , 



Book VIL] PARADISE LOST. 159 

Or, in their pearly shells at case, attend 

Moist nutriment, or under rocks their food 

In jointed armour watch : on smooth the seal, 

And bended dolphins, play ; part huge of bulic 41C 

Wallowing unwieldy, enormous in their gait, 

Terfipest there ocean. There the leviathan, 

Hugest of living creatures, on the deep, 

Stretch'd like a promontory, sleeps or swims, 

And seems a moving land, and at his gillb 415 

Draws in, and at his trunk spouts out, a sea. 

Meanwhile the tepid caves, and fens, and shores, 

Their brood as numerous hatch, from th' egg that soon 

Bursting with kindly rupture, forth disclos'd 419 

Their callow young, but fcathei-'d soon and fledge, 

They summ'd their pens, and soaring th' air subhme. 

With clang despis'd the ground, vmder a cloud 

In prospect ; there the eagle and the stork 

On cliffs and cedar tops their eyries build : 

Part loosely wing the region, part more wise 425 

In common, rang'd in figurfe, wedge their way, 

intelligent of seasons, and set forth 

Their airy caravan, high over seas 

Flying, and over lands with mutual wing 

Easing their flight : so steers the prudent crane 430 

Her annual voyage, borne on Avinds ; the air 

Floats, as they pass, fann'd with unnumber'd plumes. 

From branch to branch the smaller birds with song 

SoJac'd the woods, and spread their painted wings 

Till even ; nor then the solemn nightingale 435 

Ceas'd warbling, but all night tun'd her soft lays; 

Others on silver lakes and rivers bath'd 

Their downy breast; the swan, Avith arched neck 

Between her white wings mantling proudly, rows 

Her state with oary feet ; yet oft they quit 440 

The dank, and, rising on stiff pennons, tov/er 

The mid aerial sky. Others on ground 

Walk'd firm ; the crested cock, whose clarion sounds 

The silent hours, and the other whose gay train 

Adorns him, coloured with the florid hue 445 

Of rainbows and starry eyes. The waters thus 

With fish replenish'd, and the air with fowl, 

Evening and morn solemniz'd the fifth day- 

■' The sixth, and of creation last, arose 
With evenintr harps and matin • when God said, 450 



160 PARADISE LOST. [Book ^'11 

Let til' earth bring forth soul living in nor kind, 
Cattle, and creeping things, and beast of th' earth, 
Each in their kind !' The earth obey'd, and straight, 
Opening her fertile womb, teem'd at a birth 
lanumerous living creatures, perfect forms, 455 

Lim'd and full grown ; out of the ground up-rose. 
As from his lair, the wild beast, where he wons 
In forest wild, in thicket, brake, or den ; 
Among the trees in pairs they rose, they walk'd. 
The cattle in the fields and meadows green: 460 
Those rare and solitary, these in flocks , 

Pasturing at once, and in broad herds upsprung. 
The grassy clods now calv'd, now half appear'd 
The tawny lion, pawing to get free 464 

His hinder parts, then springs as broke from bonds. 
And rampant shakes his brinded mane ; the ounce, 
Thelibbard, and the tiger, as the mole 
Rising, the crumbled earth above them threw 
In hillocks ; the swift stag from under ground 460 
Bore up his branching head ; scarce from his mould 
Behemoth, biggest born of earth, iipneavM 
His vastness ; fleec'd the flocks and bleating rose. 
As plants ; ambiguous between sea and land 
The river horse and scaly crocodile. 
At once came forth whatever creeps the ground, 47o 
Insect or worm : those wav'd their limber fans 
For wings, and smallest hneaments exact. 
In all the liveries deck'd of summer's pride. 
With spots of gold and purple, azure and green , 
These as a line their long dimension drew, 4S(J 

Streaking the ground with sinuous trace ; not all 
JMinims of nature; some of serpent kind, 
Wondi-ous in length and corpulence, involv'd 
Their snaky folds, and added wings. First crept 
The parsimoniotis emmet, provident 485 

Of future, in small room large heart enclos'd 
Pattern of just equality periiaps 
Hereafter, join'd in her popular tribes 
Of commonalty : swarming next appear'd 
The female bee, that feeds her husband drone 490 
Deliciously, and builds her waxen cells 
With honey stor'd. The rest are numberless. 
And thou their natures know'st, and gav'st them 
names, 



dookVlL] PARADISE LOST. 161 

Needless to thee repeated ; nor unknown 

The serpent, subtlest beast of all the field, 495 

Of huge extent sometimes, with brazen eyes 

And hairy mane terrific, though to tliee 

Not noxious, but obedient at thy call. 

"Now heaven in all her glory shone, and rolIM 
Her motions, as the great first Mover's hand 500 
First wheel'd their course ; earth, in her rich attire, 
Consummate lovely smil'd ; air, water, earth, 
By fowl, fish, beast, was flown, was swam, was 

walk'd 
Frequent : and of the sixth day yet remained ; 
There wanted yet the master work, the end 505 
Of all yet done ; a creature who, not prone 
And brute as other creatures, but endued 
With sanctity of reason, might erect 
riis stature, and upright, with front serene, 
Govern the rest, self-knowing, and from thence 510 
Magnanimous to correspond with heaven ; 
But grateful to acknowledge whence his good 
Descends, thither with heart and voice, and eyes, 
Directed in devotion, to adore 
And worship God supreme, v/ho made him chief 
Of all his works: therefore th' Omnipotent 516 

Eternal Father (for where is not he 
Present ?) thus to his Son audibly spake : 

*' 'Let us make now Man in our image, Man 
In our similitude, and let them rule 520 

Over the fish and fowl of sea and air, 
Beast of the field, and over all the earth, 
And every creeping thing that creeps the ground I' 
This said, he form'd thee, Adam, thee, O Man ! 
Dust of the ground, and in thy nostrils breath'd 525 
The breath of life ; in his own image he 
Created thee, in the image of God 
Express, and thou becam'st a living soul. 
Male he created thee, but thy consort 
Female, for race ; then bless'd mankind, and said, 
* Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, 531 

Subdue it, and throughout dominion hold, 
Over fish of the sea, and fowl of th' aii-, 
And every living thing that moves on th' earth. 
Wherever thus created, for no place 535 

14* 



162 PARADISE LOST [BooKVlJ 

Is yet distinct by name.' Thence, as thou know'st, 

He brought thee into this delicious grove, 

This garden, planted with the trees of God, 

Delectable both to behold and taste ; 

And freely all their pleasant fruit for food 540 

Gave thee ; all sorts are here that all the earth yields. 

Variety without end ; but of the tree, 

Which tasted works knowledge of good and evil, 

Thou may'st not ; in the day thou cat'st, thou diest ; 

Death is the penalty impos'd: 'beware, 545 

And govern well thy appetite, lest Sin 

•Surprise thee, and her black attendant Death. 

" Here finish'd he, and all that he had made 
View'd, and behold, all was entirely good ; 
So even and morn accomplish'd the sixth day : 550 
Yet not till the Creator from his work 
Desisting, though unwearied, up return'd, 
lip to the heaven of heavens, his high abode, 
Thence to behold this new-created world, 
Th' addition of his empire, bow it show'd 555 

In prospect from his throne, how good, how fair, 
Answering his great idea. Up he rode, 
Folio w'd with acclamation, and the sound 
Symphonious of ten thousand harps that tun'd 
Angelic harmonies : the earth, the air 560 

Resounded, (thou remember'st, for thou heard'st) 
The heavens, and all the constellations rung, 
Tile planets in their station list'ning stood. 
While the bright pomp ascended jubilant. 
' Open, ye everlasting gates!' they sung, 565 

' Open ye heavens ! your living doors ; let in 
The great Creator from his work return'd 
Magnificent, his six days work, a world : 
Open, and henceforth oft ; for God v.-ill deign 
To visit oft the dwellings of just men 570 

Delighted, and with frequent intercourse 
Thither will send his winged messengers 
On errands of supernal grace.' So sung 
The glorious train ascending: He through heaven, 
That opened v/ide her blazing portals, led 575 

To God's eternal house direct tlic way, 
A broad and ample road, whose dust Is gold,^ 
And pavement stars, as stars to thee appear. 
Seen m the galaxy, that milky way. 



Book VIL\ PARADISE LOST. 163 

Which nightly as a circling zone thou secst 580 

Powder'd with stars. And now on earth the seventh 

Evening arose in Eden, for the sun 

Was set, and twilight from the eas. :>anie on, 

Forerunning night ; when at the holy mount 

Of heaven's liigh seated top, th' imperial throne 58.5 

Of Godhead, fix'd foi ever firm and sure. 

The Filial Power arriv'd, and sat him down 

With his great Father, for he also went 

Invisible, yei stay'd, (such privilege 

Hafli Omnipresence,) and the work ordain'd 590 

Author and end of all things, and from work 

Now resting, bless'd and hallow'd the seventh day, 

As resting on thot day from all his work, 

But not in silence holy kept ; the harp 

Had worjc and rested not, the solemn pipe, 595 

And dulcimer, all organs of sweet stop. 

All sounds on fret by string or golden wire, 

Temper'd soft tunings inlermix'd with voice 

Choral or unison : of inceni-e clouds 

Fuming from golden censers hid the mount. 600 

Creation and tlie six day^ acts they sung : 

* Great are thy woiks, Jehovah ! infinite 

Thy power ; .what thought can measure thee, or tongue 

Relate thee ? greater now in^thy return 

Than from the giant angels ; thee that day 605 

Thy thunders magnified ; but to create 

Is gi-eater than, created, to destroy. 

Who can impair, thee, mighty King, or bound 

Thy empire ? easily tlie proud attempt 

Of spirits apostate and their counsels vain 6 JO 

Thou hast repell'd, Avhile impiously they thought 

Thee to diminish, and from thee withdraw 

The number of tny worshippers. Who seeks 

To lessen thee, against his jiurpose serves 

To manifest the mor^ thy might : his evil 6 J 5 

Thou usesf, and from thence creai'st niore good. 

Witness this new-made world, another heaven 

From heaven-gate not far, founded in view 

On the clear hyaline, the glassy sea ; 

Of amplitude almost immense, with stars 620 

Numerous, and every star perhaps a world 

Of destin'd habitation ; but tho;^ know'st 

Their seasons ; among these the seat of men, 

Kartli wjtli hor nctlicr ocean circumfus'd, 69,4 



164 PARADISE LOST. fjjoofc VIl 

Thoir plcvasant. dwelling-place. Thrice liappy men. 
And sons of men, whom God hath thus advancM, 
Created in liis inuvge, there to dwell 
And worship him, and in reward to rnle 
Over nis works, on earth, in sea, or air, 
And multiply a race of worsliippei-s G30 

Holy and nist : thrice happy, if they know 
TheL" happiness, and persevere upright!' 

" So sung they, and the empyrean rung 
With hallelujahs : thus was Sabbath kept. 
And thy reqiiest think now fnlfillM, that ask'd 635 
How first t his world and lace of tilings began. 
And what before thy memory w-as done 
Fvom the beginning, that posterity 
Inform'i by thee inight know ; if else thou sseK'st 
Ought, not surpassing human measure, say." 640 



IV 



£KD OP BOOK SEVEMTUL 



PARADISE LOST. 



BOOK VIII. 



THE AROCMENT. 



/Idam inquires concerning celestial rnolions ; is doubt' 
fuUy answered, and exfujrted to search rather things 
more worthy of knoichd<^e • Jldam assents, and, still 
desirous to detain Rapfiul, relates to him v:hat he 
remembered since his men creation, his placing in 
Paradise, his talk with God concerning solifiide and 
fit society, ^hU first meeting and nuptials with Eve; 
his discourse with the an'^el thereupon, who, after 
admonitions repeated, departs. 



The ang-el ended, and in Adarn's car 
So charming left his voice, that he awhile 
Thought him still speaking, still stood fix'd to hear: 
Then, as new wak'd, thas gratefully rej/lied • 

" What thanks sufficient, or what recompense 5 
Ecjual have I to render thee, divme 
Historian ! who thus largely hast aiiay'd 
The thirst I had of knowledge, and vouchsaf d 
This friendly condescension, to relate 
Things else by me unsearchable, now heard 10 

With wonder, but delight, and, as is due, 
With glory attributed to the high 
Creator? Something yet of doubt remains, 
Wliich only thy solution can resolve. * 
When 1 oehold this goodly frame, this world. 15 

Of heaven and earth , insisting, and compute 
Their magnitudes, this earth a spot, a grain, 
An atom, with the fimaraent compared 



166 PARADISE LOST. [Book Vlll 

And alJ Iter number'd stars, that seem to roll 

Spaces incomprehensible, (for such 20 

Their distance argues and their swift return 

Diurnal,) merely to officiate light 

Round this opacous earth, this punctual spot, 

One day and night, in all their vast survey 

Useless besides^ reasoning, I oft admire _ 26 

How Nature, wise and frugal, could commit 

Such disproportions, with superfluous hand 

So many nobler bodies to create, 

Greater so manifold, to this one use. 

For ought appears, and on their orbs impose 50 

Such restless revolution, day by day 

Repeated, while the sedentary earth, 

That better might with far less compass move, 

SeiT'd by more noble than herself, attains 

Her end without least motion, and receives, 35 

As tribute, such a sumless journey brought 

Of incorporeal speed, her warmth and light; 

Speed, tt) describe whose swiftness number fails.'' 

So spake our sire, and by his count'nance seem'd 
Ent'ring on studious thoughts abstmse, which Eve 
Perceiving, where she sat retir'd in sight 41 

With lowliness majestic from her seat, 
And grace that w^on who saw to wish her stay. 
Rose, and went forth annong her fruits and flowers, 
To visit how they prosper'd, bud and bloom, 45 

Her nursery ; they at her coming sprung, 
And, touch'd by her fair tendance, gladlier grew. 
Yet went she not, as not with such discourse 
Delighted, or not capablp her ear 
Of what was high : such pleasure she reserT'd 50 
Adam relating, the sole au'ditress ; 
Her husband the relator she preferr'd 
Before the angel, and of him to ask 
Chose rather ; he, she knew, would intermix 
Grateful digressions, and solve high dispute 55 

With conjugal caresses ; from his lip 
Not words alone pleas'd her. (O ! v/hen meet new 
Such pairs, in love and mutual honour join'd ?) 
With goddess-like demeanour forth she went, 
Not unattended, for on her as queen CG 

A pomp of winning graces waited still, 
And from about her shot darts of desn-e 



Book VIII.] I'ARADISE LOST. 167 

fnto all e^es to wish her still in sight. 

And Raphael now, to Adam's doubt propos'd, 

Benevolent and facite thus replied ; 65 

" To ask or search I blame thee not, for heaven 
Is as the book of God before thee set. 
Wherein to read his wondrous works, and learn 
His seasons, hours, or days, or months, or years; 
This to attain, whether heaven move or earth, 70 
Imports not if thou reckon right ; the rest 
From man or angel the great Architect 
Did v/isely to conceal, and not divulge 
Llis secrets to be scann'd by them who ouglit 
Rather admire ; or if they list to try 75 

Conjecture, he his fabric of the heavens 
Hath left to their disputes, perliaps to move 
His laughter at their quaint opinions wide 
Hereafter, Avhen they come to model heaven 
And calculate the stars, how they will wield yO 

The mighty frame, how build, unbuild, contrive 
To save appearances, how gird the sphere 
With centric and eccentric scribbled o'er, ' 
Cycle and epicycle, orb in orb ; 
Already by thy reasoning this I guess 85 

Who art to lead thy offspring, and supposest 
That bodies bright and greater should not serve 
The less not bright, nor heaven such journies run, 
Karth sitting still, when she alone receives 
The benefit. Consider first, that great 90 

Or bright infers not excellence : the eartli 
Though, in comparison of heaven, so sitiall, 
Nor glist'ring, may of solid good contain 
More plenty than the sun that barren shines, 
Whose virtue on itself works no effect, 95 

But in the fruitful earth ; there, first receiv'd, 
His beams, unactive else, their vigour find. 
Yet not to earth are those bright luminaries 
Officious, but to thee, earth's habitant. 
And for the heaven's wide circuit, let it speak lOO 
The MaKer's high magnificence, who built 
So spacious, and his line strctch'd out so far ; 
That man may know he dwells not in his own ; 
An edifice too large for him to fill, 
Lodg'd in a small partition, and the rest 1U5 

Or Jain'd for uses to his Lord best know 



168 PARADISE LOST. [Book VUi. 

The swiftness of those circles attribute, 

Though numberless, to his omnipotence, 

That to corporeal substances could add lOIi 

Speed almdat spiritual : me thou think'st not sluw. 

Who since the morning hour set out from heaven 

Where God resides, and ere mid-day arriv'd 

In Eden; distance inexpressible 

By numbers that have name. But this I urge, 

Admittmg motion in the heavens, to show 115 

Invalid that which thee to doubt it mov'd ; 

Not tliat I so affirm, though so it seem 

To thee who hast thy dweUing here on earth. 

God, to remove his ways from human sense, 

Plac'd neaven from earth so far, that earthly sight, 

If it presume, might err in things too high, 121 

And no advantage gain. What if the sun 

Be centre to the world, and other stars. 

By his attractive virtue and their own 

Incited, dance about him vai'ious rounds ? 125 

Their wand'ring course now high, now low, then hid, 

Progressive, retrograde, or standing still. 

In six thoH seest; and what if seventh to these 

The planet earth, so steadfast though she seem, 

Insensfoiy three different motions move ? 130 

Wliich else to several spheres thou must ascribe, 

Mov'd contrary with thwart obliquities. 

Or save the sun his labour, and that swift 

Nocturnal and diurnal rhomb suppos'd, 

Invi»'h' ^e above all stars, the wheel 135 

^^. night ; which needs not thy belief, 

I !«'., iuoustrious of herself, fetch day 
Travelling east, and with her part averse 
From the sun's beam meet night, her otner part 
Still luminous by his ray. What if that lignt, 140 
Sent from her through the wide transpicuous air 
To the terrestrial moon be as a star 
Enlight'ning her by day, as she by night 
This earth ? reciprocal, if land be there. 
Fields and inhabitants. Her spots thou seest 146 
As clouds, and clouds may rain, and rain produce 
Fruits in her soften'd soil, for some to eat 
Allotted there ; and other suns perhaps 
With their attendant moons thou Avilt descry 
Communicating male and female light, 150 

Which twn great sexes ainmate the world- 



Book VIJL] PARADISE LOST. 169 

Stor'd in each orb perhaps with some that live . 

For sucA vast room in Nature unpossess'd 

By Uving soul, desert and desolate, 

Only to shine, yet scarce to contribute 155 

Each orb a glimpse of light convey'd so far 

Down to this habitable, u-hich returns 

Light back to them, is obvious to dispute. 

But wiiether thus these things, or whether not ; 

Whether the sun predominant in heaven IGO 

Rise on the earth, or earth vise on the sun 5 

He from the east his flaming road begin, 

Or she from the west her silent course advance, 

With inoftensive pace that spinning sleeps 

On her soft axle, wliile she paces even, 165 

And bears thee soft with the smooth air along 

SoUcit not thy thoughts Avith matters hid, 

Leave them to God above, liim serve and feai- ; 

Of other creatures, as him pleases best, 

VVliierever plac'd, let him dispose : joy thou 170 

[n \Mhat he gives to thee, this Paradise 

And thy fair Eve ; licaven is for thee too high 

To know what passes there ; be lowly wise : 

Think only what concerns thee and tiiy being ; 

Dream not of other worlds, what creatures there 175 

Live, in what state, condition, or degree. 

Contented that thus far hath been reveal'd, 

Not of earth only, but of highest heaven." 

To whom thus Adam, cleai-'d of doubt, replied ; 
** How fully hast thou satisfied me, pure ISO 

Intelligence of heaven, angel serene 1 
And, freed from intricacies, taught to live, 
The easiest way, nor with perjilexing thoughts 
To interrupt the sweet of life, from which 
God hath bid dwell far off all anxious cares, 185 

And, not molest us, unless we ourselves 
Seek them with wand'ring thoughts, and notions vain, 
But apt the mind or fancy is to rove 
Uhcheck'd, and of her roving is no end ; 
Till warn'd, or by experience taught, she learn, 190 
That not to" know at large of things remote, 
From use obscure and subtle, but to know 
That which before us lies in daily Hfe, 
Xs the prime wisdom ; what is more, is fume 
Or emptiness, or fond impertinence, ISf* 

15 



170 PARADISE LOST. [BookVlIJL 

And renders us in things that most concern 

Unpractis'd, iinprepar'd, and still to seek. 

Therefore from this high pitch let us descend 

A lower flight, and speak of things at hand 

Useful, whence haply mention may arise 205 

Of something not unseasonable to ask, 

By sufferance, and thy wonted favour deign' d. 

Thee I have heard relating what was done 

Ere my remembrance ; now hear me relate 

My story, which perhaps thou hast not heard ; 205 

And day is yet not spent ; till then thou seest 

How subtly to detain thee I devise, 

Inviting thee to hear while I relate. 

Fond, where it not in hope of thy i-e])]y : 

For while I sit with thee I seem in heaven, 210 

And sweeter thy discourse is to my ear 

Than fruits of palm-ti-ee, pleasantest to thii-st 

And hunger both, from labour, at tlie hour 

Of sweet repast ; they satiate, and soon fill 214 

Though pleasant ; but thy' words, with grace divin® 

Imbued, bring to their sweetness no satiety." 

To whom thus Raphael answei-'d heavenly meek . 
" Nor are thy lips ungraceful, sire of men ! 
Nor tongue inoloquent ; for God on tliee 
Abundantly his gifts hath also }X)ur'd, 220 

Inward and outward both, is image fair ; 
Speaking or mute, all comeliness and grace 
Attends thee, and each word each motion forms ; 
Nor less think we in heaven of thee on earth 
Than of our fellow-servant, and inquire 255 

Gladly into the ways of God with man ; 
For God we see hath honour'd thee, and set 
On man his equal love : say, therefoi-e, on , 
For I that day was absent, as befell. 
Bound on a voyage uncouth and obscure^ 235 

Far on excursion toward the gates of hell ; 
Squar'd in full legion ^such command we had) 
To see that none thence issued forth a spy, 
Or enemy, while God was in his w>ork. 
Lest he, incens'd at such eruption bold, • 235- 

Destruction with creation might have mix'd. 
Not that they durst without kis leave attempt 
But us he sends upon liis- high beliests 
For state, as Sov'reign King, and to i-aura 



BookrilL] PARADISE LOST. 171 

,Our prompt obedience- Fast we found, fast sh at 
The dismal gates, and barricado'd strons: ; 241 

But, long ere our approachi«g, heard within 
Noise, other than the sound of dance or song. 
Torment, and loud lament, and furious rage. 
Glad we return'd up to the coasts of light' 245 

Ere sabbath evening: so we had in charge. 
But thy relation now ; for 1 attend, 
Picas'd with thy words, no loss than thou with mine.'^ 

So spake the godlike power, and thus our sire 
' For man to tell how human life began 250 

Is ham ; for who himself beginning knew ? 
Desire Vv'itlir thee still longer to converse 
Induc'd me. As new wak'd from soundest sleep, 
Soft on the flowery herb I found me laid 
In balmy sweat, vv^'hich with his beains the sun 255 
Soon dried, and on the reeking moisture fed. 
Straight toward heaven my wond'ring eyes I turn'd, 
And gaz'd awhile the ample sky ; till rais'd 
By quick instinctive motion up I sprung, 
As thitherward endeavouring, and upright 260 

Stood on my feet ; about me round I saw 
Hill, dale, and shady woods, and sunny plains. 
And liquid lapse of murm'ring streams ; by these. 
Creatures that liv'd and mov'd, and walk'd, or flew , 
Birds on the branches warbling ; all things smil'd ; 
With fragrance, and with joy my heart o'erflow'd. 
iVlyself I then perus'd, and limb by limb 267 

Survey'd, and sometimes went, and sometimes ran 
With supple joints, as lively vigour led : 
But who I vras, or where, or from what cause, 270 
Knew not : to speak I tried, and forthwith spake 
My tongLie obey'd, and readily could name 
Whate'er I saw. ' Thou sun,' said I, ' fair light, 
And thou enlighten'd earth, so fresh and gay. 
Ye hills, and dales, ye rivers, woods, and plains, 275 
And ye that live and move, fair creatu)-es, tell, 
Tell, if ye saw, how came I thus, hoAV here? 
Not of myself; by some great Maker then, 
In goodness and in power pre-eminent ; 
Tell me how may I know him, how adore, 28l.> 

From whom I have that thus I move, and live 
And feel that I am happier than I knov/.' 
VVJiile thus I call'd, and strav'd 1 knew not whither. 



f72 PARxniSF. LOST. [Bock y Hi 

From Avhcro 1 lui^t drew air, and fii-st licl\old 

This happy hjilit, \\\\cu iinswor none roturn'd, 285 

On n i^reon sluvdy batik, pi-otiiso of llowers, 

Prnsivo I sat nie down ; thoir jro'^t'o sleep 

First lomid mo, and with sotl oppression seiz'd 

Mv dnnvsed j;onso, untronlilod, tluMigh I thought 

I (hen was passing: to my former state 290 

Insensible, and (orthwith to dissolve; 

When suddenly stood at my head a dream, 

Whose inward a]iparitiiin eently mov'd 

Mv fanoy to believe I yet lK\d boini:, 

And liv\^. One eame." merhoui;:ht, of slvi}>fi divine, 

And said, * Thy mansion wants Uiee, Adam, risc29G 

First man, of men intmmerable ordain'd 

Fii-st tatner i eall'd by thee I eome thy p;uide 

To the {garden of bliss, thy seat prepar'd.' 

So sayi)ijr, by the hand he took me raised, 31)0 

Ai>d over fields and watei-s, as in air 

Smix^th slidins; Mithont step, last led me up 

A woody mountain ; whose hi^h top was plain, 

A eirouit wide enelos'd ; with iroodhcst trees 

Planted, with walks and bowers, that what I saw 305 

Of earth before scaree pleasant seemVl. Each tree 

Loadcn with fairest fruit, that hunjj: to th' eye 

Temptinsr, stirr'd in me sudilen apj^etito. 

To pluck and cat ; whereat I wak'd, and found 

Before mine eyes all real, as the dream 310 

Had lively shadowM. Here had new bepin 

'My waiuf rais;, had not he, who was my guide 

Up hither, from amonc the trees appear'd, 

Presenee divine. ReivMcini:, but with awe, 

In adoration at his feet I fell 316 

Submiss: l.e rear'd me, and, 'Whom thou sought'st 

I am,' 
Said mildly, ' Author of all this thou secst 
Above, or round alwut thee, or beneath. 
This Paradise I give thee, count it thine 
To till, and keep, and of the fruit to cat : 320 

Of every tree that in the garden grows 
Eat freely with glad heart ; fear here no dearU 
Bnt of the tree whose ojxnation brings 
Knowledge of good and il., which I have set 
The pledge of thy obedience and thy faith, S25 

Amid the garden by the tree of life. 
Remember what 1 %\arn thee, shun ♦.o taste, 



Book nil PARADISE LOST. 173 

And shun the bitter consequence : for know 

The day thou catcst thereof, mv sole command 

Tran-Sj^ess'd, inevitably thou shalt die, 330 

From that day mortal, and this happy state 

Shalt lose, expeli'd from hence into a world 

Of v/o and sorrow.' S tern! v he pronounc'd 

The ri^id interdiction, which resounds 

Yet dreadful in mine ear, thoij^h in my choice 335 

Not to incur ; but soon his clear aspect 

Retum'd, and gracious pirpose ihas rsnew'd : 

'Not only these fair bounds, but all the earth 

To thee and to thy race I erive ; jls lords 

Possess it, and all things that therein live, 340 

( >r live in sea, or air, h)east, fhh, and fowl. 

Jn si^ whereof each bird and beast behold 

After their kinds ; I brin^ them to receive 

From thee their names, and pay thee fealty 

With low subjection ; understand the same 345 

Of fish v/ithin their wat'ry residence. 

Not hither siammon'd, since they cannot change 

Their element, to draw the thinner air.' 

As thus he spake, each bird and beast behold 

Approaching two and two, these cow'ring low 350 

With blandishment, each bird stoop'd on his wing. 

I narn'd them, as they pass'd, and understood 

Their nature, with such knowledge God endued 

My sudden apprehension ; but in these 

I found not what methought I wanted still ; 355 

And to the heavenly vision th'os prestun'd : 

" * O by what name, for thou above all thc^e, 
Above mankind, or ought than mankind higher, 
Surpassest far mv naming, how may I 
Adore thee, Autnor of this universe, 3€C 

And all this good to man ? for whose well-being 
So amply, and with hands so liberal, 
Thou nast provided all things : but with me 
I see not wno p>arta}:es. In solitude 
What happiness, who can enjoy alone, 365 

Or all enjoying, what contentment find V 
Thus I presumptuous ; and the vision bngh% 
As with a smile m^re brightcn'd, thus repiicJ 

" ' What call'st thou solitude ? is m t the enrtn 
With various living creatures, and toe air. 37'» 



174 PARADISE LOST. [Book FIIJ 

Replenish'd, a<id all these at thy command 

To come and play before thee ? knowest tliou not 

Their language and their ways ? they also know, 

And reason not contemptibly j with these 

Find pastime and bear rule ; thy realm is large.' 375 

So spake the universal Lord, and seem'd 

So ord'ring. I with leave of speech imploi-'d, 

And humble deprecation, thus replied : 

" 'Let not my words offend thee, heaver-Iy Power 
My Maker, be propitious while I speak. 380 

Hast thou not made me here thy substitute, 
And these inferior far beneath me set ? 
Among unequals what society 
Can sort, what harmony or true delight ? 
Which must be mutual, in projx)rtion due 385 

Given and receiv'd ; but in disparit}''. 
The one intense, the other still remiss. 
Cannot well suit with either, but soon prove 
Tedious alike : of fellowship I speak 
Such as I seek, fit to participate 39(1 

All rational delight, wherein the brute 
Cannot be human consort ; they rejoice 
Each with their kind, lion with lioness; 
So fitly them in pairs thou hast combin'd ; 
Much less can bird with beast, or fish with fowl 395 
So well coiwei-se, nor with the ox the ape ; 
Worse then can man with beast, and least of all.' 

"Whereto th' Almighty answered, not displeas'd- 
* A nice and subtle hapj->iness I see 
Thou to thyself proposest, in the choice 400 

Of thy associates, Adam, and wilt taste 
No pleasure, though in pleasure, solitary. 
What think'st thou then of me, and this my state? 
Seem I to tliee sufficiently possessed 
Of happiness, or not? who am alon? 40S 

From all eternity, for none I know 
Second to me or like, equal much less. 
How have I then witli whom to hold converse, 
Save witn the creatures which I made, and those ^ 
To me inferior, infinite descents 410 

Beneath what other creatures are to tliee ?' 

" He ceas'd ; I lowly answer'd : * To attain 
The height and dejnh of thy eternal ways 



Soolc VIIL] PARADISE LOST. 175 

All human thr.-aglits come short, Supreme of things 

Thou in thyself art perfect, and in thee 415 

Is no deficience found ; not so is man, 

But in degree, the cause of his desire, 

By conversation with his like, to help 

Or solace his defects. No need that thou 

Shouldst propagate, already infinite, 420 

And through all numbers absolute, though one ; 

But man by number is to manifest 

His simple imperfection, and beget 

Like of his like, his image multiplied. 

In unity defective, which requires 425 

Collateral love, and dearest amity. 

Thou in thy secrecy, although alone. 

Best with thyself accompanied, seek'st not 

Social communication, yet, so pleas'd. 

Canst raise tiiy creatures to what height thou wih, 

Of union or communion, deified ; 43! 

I by conversing cannot these erect 

From prone, nor in their ways complacence find.* 

Thus I emboldcn'd spake, and freedom us'd 

Pennissive, and acceptance found, which gain'd 

This answer from the gracious voice divine : 436 

" ' Thus far to try thee, Adam, I was pleas'd, 
And find tnee knowing, not of beasts alone. 
Which thou hast rightly nam'd, but of thyself, 
Expressing well the spirit within thee free, 440 

My ima^re, not imparted to the brute, 
Whose fellov/ship therefore unmeet for thee 
Good reason was thou freely shouldst dislike, 
And be so minded still ; I, ere thou spak'st, 
Knew it not good for man to be alone, 445 

And no such company as then thou saw'st 
Intended thee, for trial only brought, 
To see how thou couldst judge of fit and meet. 
What next I bring shall please thee, be assur'd, 
Thy likeness, thy fit help, thy other self, 450 

Thy wish exactly to thy heart's desire.' 

" He ended, or I heard no more, for now 
My earthly by his heavenly overpower'd 
Which it had long stoed under, strain'd to tn heigh 
hi that celestinl colloquy sublime, 455 

As with an object that excels the sense. 



176 PARADlalE LOST. [Book Jlli, 

Daz7.1cd and spent, sunk doM-n, and sought repair 

Of sleep, whieli instantly fell on me, call'd 

Bv Nature as in aid, and clos'd mine eyes. 

Mine eyes he elos'd, but oaen left, the cell 4G0 

Of Fancy, my internal sigiu, by which ^ 

Abstn\et, as in a trance, nnet.hought I saw, 

Thou£:h sle^piuiT, where I lay, and saw tlie slia}>0 

Still glorious betbre whom awake I stood ; 465 

Wiio, stcKipinj::, ojK.n'd my lott side, and tix>k 

From thence a rib, with conli;\l spirits warm, 

And life-blood streaming fresh ; wide was the wouiivi^ 

But suddenly with flesh fiU'd up and heal'd ; 

The rib he formed and Ixtsliion'd with his haiids ; 

L'nder his foniiing hairds a creature grew, 470 

Manlike, but dilferent sex, so lovely fair, 

That what seem'd fair in all tlic world, seem'd now 

^iean, or in her summ'd up, in her contain'd. 

And in her looks, which iVorn that time iiifus'd 

Sweetness into my heart, \uvfelt before, 475 

And into all things from her air inspir'd 

The sjMrit of lo\x and amorous delight. 

She dtsappcar'd, ai>d left me dv^i-k ; I wak'd 

To find her, or for ever to deplore 

Her loss, and otl>er pleasures all abjure : 4S0 

When out of ho[->c, behold her, not "tar oflf^ 

Sucli as I saw her in my dream, a'dom'd 

With what all earth or heaven could bestow 

To make her amiable. On she came, 

Led by her heavenly Maker, though unseen, 4S5 

And guided by his voice, nor unintorm'd 

Of nuptial sanctity aud nian-iage rites : 

Grace was in all her steps, heaven in her eye, 

In every gesture dignity and love ! 

r, overjoy'd, could not forbear alond. 490 

" ' This turn hath made amends ; thou hast fulfiU'd 
Thy wortfe, Creator Ixwnteous and benign, 
Giver of all things, fair, but foirest this 
Of all thy gifts, nor enviest. I now see 
Bone of my bMic, flesh of my flesh, m}-self 486 

Before n>e ; Woman is her nani€, of man 
Extracted : for this cause he shall foi-ego 
Father and mother, to his wife^adhere ; 
Ard they sliall be one iUsli, one heart, one soul/ 



BonkVIIL] PARADISE LOST. 177 

" She heard me thus, and though divinely brought, 
Yet innocence and virgin modesty, 501 

Her virtue and the conscience of her worth, 
Tliat would be woo'd, and not unsought be vron 
Not obvious, not obtrusive, but retir'd 
The more desirable, or to say all, 506 

Nature herself, though pure of sinful thought, 
Wrouglit in her so, that seeing me, she turn'd : 
I follow'd her ; she what waslionour knew, 
A.nd with obsequious majesty approv'd 
My pleaded reason. To the nuptial l)Ower 510 

I led her, blushing like the morn : all heaven, 
And happy constellations, on that hour 
Shed their selectest influence ; the earth 
Gave sign of gratulation, and each hill ; 
Joyous the birds ; fresh gales and gentle airs 515 
Whisper'd it to the woods, and from their wings 
Flung rose, flung odours from the spicy shrub^ 
Disporting till the amorous bird of night 
Sung spousal, and bid haste the evening star 
On his hill top, to light the bridal lamp. 520 

" Thus have I told thee all my state, and brought 
My story to the sum of earthly bliss 
Which I enjoy, and must confess to find 
In all things else delight indeed, but such 
As, us'd or not, works in the mind no change, 525 
Nor vehement desire, these delicacies 
I mean of taste, sight, smell, herbs, fruits, and 

flowers. 
Walks, and the melody of birds ; but here 
Far otherwise ! transported I behold, 
Transported touch ; here passion first I felt, 530 
Commotion strange ! in all enjoyments else 
Superior and unmov'd ; here only weak 
Against the charm of beauty's powerful glance. 
Or nature fail'd in me, and left some part 
Not proof enough such object to Sustain, 535 

Or from my side subducting, took perhaps 
More than enough ; at least on her bestow'd 
Too much of ornament, in outward show 
Elaborate, of inward less exact. 
For well I understand in the prime end 540 

Of nature her th' inferior, in the mind 
And in weird faculties, wnich most excel. 



178 PARADISE LOST. \hookVIIl 

In outward also her resembling less 
His image who made both, and less expressing 
The character of that dominion given 516 

O'er other creatures ; yet when 1 approacl. 
Her lovelmess, so absolute she seems, 
And in herself complete, so well to know 
Her own, that what she wills to do or say- 
Seems wisest, virtuousest, discreetest, best; 550 
All higher knoAvledge in her presence falls 
Degraded, wisdom in discourse with her 
Loses discount'nanc'd, and like folly shows ; 
Authority and reason- on her wait. 
As one intended first, not after made 555 
Occasionally ; and, to consummate all, 
Greatness of mind and nobleness their seat 
Build in her loveliest, and create an awe 
About her, as a guard angehc plac'd." 

To whom the angel v/ith contracted brow : 560 
"Accuse not nature, she hatli done her part ; 
Do thou but thine, and be not diffident 
Of wisdom ; she deserts thee not, if thou 
Dismiss not her, when most thou need'st her nigh. 
By attributing overmuch to things 5G5 

Less excellent, as thou thyself perceiv'st. 
For what admir'st thou, what transports thee so ? 
An outside ? fair no doubt, and worthy well 
Thy cherishing, thy honouring, and thy love, 
Not thy subjection : v/eigh with her thyself; 57C 
Then value. Oft-times nothing profits more 
Than self-esteem, grounded on just and right 
Well manag'd ; of that skill the more thou know'st, 
The more she v/ill acknowledge thee her head, 
And to realities yield all her shows : 575 

Made to adorn for thy delight the more. 
So awful, that with honour thou may'st love 
Thy mate, who sees when thou art seen least wise. 
But if the sense of touch, whereby mankind 
Is propagated, seem such dear delight 580 

Beyond all other, think the same vojchsaf'd 
To cattle and each beast ; which would not be 
To them made common and divulg'd, if ought 
Therein enjoy'd were worthy to subdue 
The soul of man, or passion in hiin move. 585 

What liigher in her society thou find'st 



Bi)ok >'nL] PARADISE LOST. 179 

Attractive, human, rational, love still; 

In loving thou dost well, in passion not, 

Wherein true love consists not ; love refines 

The thoughts, and heart enlarges, hath his seed 590 

In reason, and is judicious, is the scale 

By which to heavenly love thou may'^st ascend ; 

Not sunk in carnal pleasure, for which cause 

Among the beasts no mate for thee was found.' 

To whom thus half-abash' i, Adam replied : 595 
" Neither her outside form'd so fair, nor ought 
In procreation common to all kmds, 
' Though higher of the genial bed by far 
And with mysterious reverence I deem,) 
So much delights me, as those graceful acts, 600 

Those thousand decencies that daily ilow 
From all her words and actions, mix'd with love 
And sweet compliance, which declare unfeign'd 
Union of mind, or in us both one soul ; 
Harmony to behold in wedded pair 605 

More grateful than harmonious sound to th' ear. 
Yet these subject not ; I to thee disclose 
"What inward thence I feel, not therefore foil'd, 
Wlio meet with various objects, from the sense 
Variously representing ; yet still free, 6Ui 

Approve the best, and follow what I approve. 
To love thou blam'st me not, for love thou say'st 
Leads up to heaven, is both the way and guide j 
Bear with me then, if lawful what I ask ; 
Love not the hea.venly spirits, and how their love 
Express they, by looks only, or do they mix 616 
Irradiance, virtual or immediate touch ?" 

To whom the angel, with a smile that glow'd 
Celestial rosy red, love's proper hue, 
Answer'd : " Let it suffice thee that thou krow'st 
Us happy, and w'thout love no happiness. 621 

Whatever pure thou in the body enjoy'st 
(And pure Vnou wert created) we enjoy 
In eminence, and obstacle find none 
Of membrane, joint or limb, exclusive bars ; 025 
Easier than air with air, if spirits embrace, 
Total they mix, union of pure with pure 
Desiring ; nor restrain'd conveyance need, 
As flesh to mix with flesli, or soul with soxiL 



180 PARADISE LOST. [Book Vill. 

But I can now no more ; the parting sun G30 

Beyond the earth's green Cape and verdant Isles 

Hesperian sets, my signal to depart. 

Be strong, live happy, and love ; but first of all, 

Him whom love is to obey, and keep 

His great command ; take heed lest passion sway 

Thy judgment to do ought, which else free will 630 

Would not admit : thine and of all thy sons 

The weal or wo in thee is plac'd ; beware! 

I in thy persevering shall rejoice, 

And all the bless'd : stand fast ; to stand or fall G40 

Free in thine own arbitrament it lies. 

Perfect within no outward aid require; 

And all temptation to transgress repel." 

So saying, he arose ; whom Adam thus 
FolloAv'd with benediction : " Since to part, 645 

Go, heavenly guest, ethereal messenger, 
Sent from whose sov'reign goodness I adore. 
Gentle to me and affable hath been 
Thy condescension, and shall be honour'd ever 
With grateful memory : thou to mankind 650 

Be good and friendly still, and oft return." 

So parted they ; the angel up to heaven 
From the tliick shade, and Adam to his bov ir. 



EKD OF BOUK EIGHTH. 



PARADISE LOST. 



BOOK IX. 



THE ARGUMENT. 

Satan hating compassed the earth, loilu me Mate J guUi 
returns as a inist by night into Paradise, and enters 
into the serpent sleeping. Adam and Eve in thi 
morning go forth to their labours, xohich Eve proposes 
to divide in several places, each labouring apart. 
Adam consents not, allegijig the danger, lest thai 
enemy, ofxohov.ithey were for eicarned, should attempt 
her found alone. Eve, loth to be thought not circum- 
spect or firm'enough, urges her going apart, the rather 

I desirous to make trial of her strength : Adam at last 
yields. The serpent finds her alone; his subtle 
approach, first gazing, then speaking, with much 
flattery extolling Eve above all other creatures. Eve, 
wondering to hear the serpent speak, asks hcxo he 
attained to human speech and such understanding not 
till noic ; the Serpent answers, that by tasting of a 
certain tree in the gardeii he attained both to speech 
and reason, till then void of both. Eve requires him 
to bring her to that tree, andfnids it to be the tree oj 
knoxcledge forbidden. The Serpent, now groxcn 
bolder, xvilh many xoiles and arguments induces her 
at length to eat : she, phased xvilh the taste, deliberates 
awhile xohether to impart thereof to Adam or not; al 
last brings him of the fruit, relates xchat persuaded 
her to eat thereof. Adam, at first amazed, but per. 
ceiving her lost, resolves, through vehemence of love, 

' to perish with her ; and, extenuating the trespass, 
eats also of the fruit. The effects thereof in them 
both; they seek to cover their nakedness ; then fall to 
variance and accusation of one another. 

m 



(82 PARADISE LOST. [Book IX. 

No more of talk, where God or angel guest 
With man, as with his friend familliar us'd 
To sit indulgent, and Avith him partake 
Rural repast, permitting him the while 
Venial discourse unblam'd : I now must change 5 
Those notes to tragic ; foul distrust, and breach 
Disloyal on the part of mar, revolt 
And disobedience ; on the part of heaven, 
Now ahenated, distance and distaste, 
Anger and just rebuke, and judgment given, 1ft 

That brought into this v/orld a world of wo, 
Sm, and her shadow Death, and Misery- 
Death's harbinger. Sad task ! yet argument 
Not less, but more heroic than the wrath 
Of stern Achilles on his foe pursu'd, 15 

Thrice fugitive, about Troy wall ; or rage 
Of Turnus for Lavinia disespous'd : 
Or Neptune's ire, or Juno's that so long ' 

Perplex'd the Greek and Cytherea's son , 
Tf answerable style I can obtain -0 

Of my celestial patroness, \vho deigns 
Her nightly visitation unimploi-'d, * 
And dictates to me slumb'ring, or inspires 
Easy my unpremeditated verse; 
Since first this subject for heroic song 25 

Pleas'd me, long choosing, and beginning late ; 
Not sedulous by nature to indite 
Wais, hitherto the only argument 
Heroic deem'd, chief mast'ry to dissect 
With long and tedious havoc, fabled knights 30 

In battles feign'd ; the better fortitude 
Of patience and heroic martyrdom 
Unsung ; or to describe races and games, 
Or tilting furniture, emblazon'd shields, * 
Impresses ([uaint, caparisons, and steeds; J5 

Bases and tinsel trappings, gorgeous knights 
At joust and tournament ; then marshall'd feast 
Serv'd up in hall with sewers, and seneschals ; 
The skill of artiiice or office mean. 
Not that which justly gives heroic name 40 

To person or to poem. Me, of tnese 
Nor skill'd nor studious, higner argument 
Remains, sufficient of itself to raise 
That name, unless an age too late, or cold 
Climate, or years, damp my intended win? 45 



Book IX.] PARADISE LOST. 183 

Depress'd, and much theymdy, if all be mine, 
Not hers who Brings it nightly to my car. 

The sun Avas sunk, and after him the star 
Of Hesperus, whose office is to bring 
Twilight upoi, the earth, short arbitfer 50 

'Twixt day and night; and now from end to end 
Night's hemisphere had veil'd th' horizon round : 
When Satan, who late fled before the threats 
Of Gabriel out of Eden, now improv'd 
In meditated fraud and malice, bent 55 

On man's destruction, maugi-e what might Imp 
Of heavier on himself, fearless return'd. 
By night he fled, and at midnight return'd 
From compassing the earth, cautious of day, 
Since Uriel, regent of the sup, descried 60 

His entrance, and forewarn'd the cherubim 
That kept their watch ; thence, full of angui^i driven, 
The space of seven continued nights he rode 
With darkness, thrice the equinoctial line 
He circled, four times cross'd the car of night 65 

From pole to pole, traversing each colure ; 
On th' eighth return'd, and on the coast, averse 
From entrance or cherubic watcH, by stealth 
Found unsuspected way. There was a place, 
Now not, though sin, not time, first wrought the 
change, 70 

Where Tigris at the foot of Paradise 
Into a gulflihot under ground, till part 
Rose up a fountain by the tree of life : 
In with the river sunk, and with it rose 
Satan involv'd in rising mist, then sought 75 

Where to lie hid ; sea he had search'd, and land 
From Eden over Pontus, and the pool 
Maeotis, up beyond the river Ob ; 
Downward as far antarctic; and in length 
West from Orontes to the ocean barr'd 80 

At Darie^, thence to the land wliere flows 
Ganges and Indus. Thus the orb he rcara'd 
With narrow search, and with inspection deep 
Consider'd every creature which of all 
Most opportune might serve his wiles, and found 85 
The serpent subtlest Beast of all the field. 
Him, after long debate, irresolute 
Of tlioughts revolv'd. his final sentence chose 



184 PARADISE LOST. [BooJclX. 

Fit vessel, fittest imp of fraud, in whom 

To enter, and his dark suggestions hide 90 

From sharpest siglit : for in the wily snake, 

Whatever sleights, none would suspicious mark. 

As from his wit and native subtlety 

Proceeding, which in other beasts observ'd 

Doubt might beget of diabolic power, 95 

Active within beyond the sense of brute. 

Thus he resolv'd ; but first from inward grief^, 

His bursting passion into plaints thus pour'd ; 

"O earth, how ]ike to heaven, if not preferrd 
More justly, seat worthier of ^ods, as built 100 

With second thoughts, reformmg what was old ! 
For what God after better worse would build ? 
Terrestrial heaven, danc'd round by other heavens 
That shine, yet bear their bright officious lamps, 
Light abojre light, for thee alone, as seems, 105 

fn thee concentring all their precious beams 
Of sacred influence ! As God in heaven 
Is centre, yet extends to all, so thou 
Centring receiv'st from all those orbs ; in thee. 
Not in themselves, all their known virtue appears 
Productive in herb, plant, and nobler bii-th 1 M 

Of creatures animate with gradual life 
Of growth, sense, reason, all summ'd up in man. 
With what delight could I have walk'd thee round, 
If I could joy in ought, sweet interchange J 15 

Of hill, and valley, rivers, woods, and plains. 
Now land, now sea, and shores with forest crown'd, 
Rocks, dens, and caves ! But I in none of these 
Find place or refuge ; and the more I see 
Pleasures about me, so much more I feel 120 

Torment within me, as from the hateful siege 
Of contraries ; all good to me becomes 
Bane, and in heaven much worse would be my state. 
But neither here seek I, no nor in heaven. 
To dwell, unless by mast'rin^ heaven's Supreme ; 
Nor hope to be myself less miserable 12G 

By what I seek, but others to make such 
As T, though thereby worse to me redound : 
For only in destroying I find ease 
To rny relentless thoughts ; and him destroy'd, 1.^ 
Or won to w'nyl may work his uttei loss, 
Fi)r whom all this was made, all this will sooj> 



Hcok rX.l PARADISE LOST. ISo 

Follow, as io him link'd in weal or wo ; 
In wo then ; that destruction wide may range. 
To me shall bo the glory sole among 135 

Th' internal powers, in one aay to have marr'd 
What he, Almighty styl'd, six nights and days 
Continued making, and who knows how long 
Before had been contriving? though perhaps 
iN'ot longer than since I in one night freed 140 

From servitude inglorious well nigh half 
Th' angelic name, and thinner left the throng 
Of hi? adorers : he to be aveng'd, 
And to repair his numbers thus impair'd, 
Whether such virtue spent of old now fail'd 145 

More angels to create, if they at least 
Are his created, or to spite us more, 
Oetermin'd to advance into our room 
A creature fonn'd of earth, and him endow, 
Exalted from so base original, 1 50 

With heavenly spoils, our spoils. What he decreed 
He effected : man he made, and for him built 
Magnificent this world, and earth his seat, 
Him lord pronounc'd, and, O indignity ! 
Subjected to his service angel wings, 153 

And flaming ministers, to watch and tend 
Their earthly charge. Of these the vigilance 
i dread, and to elude, thus wrapp'd in mist 
Of midnight vapour glide obscure, and pry 
In every bush and brake, where hap may find IGO 
The serpent sleeping, in whose mazy folds 
To hide me, and the dark intent 1 bring. 
O foul descent ! that I, who erst contended 
With gods to sit the highest, am now constrain'd 
into a beast, and mix'd with bestial slime, 165 

This essence to incarnate and imbrute, 
That to the height of Deity aspir'd ; 
But what will not ambition and revenge 
l>««scend to ? who aspires, must down as low 
As high he soar'd, obnoxious, first or last, 170 

To basest things. Revenge, at first though sweet, 
Bitter ere long, back on itself recoils : 
Let it ; I reck not, so it light well aim'd, 
Since higher I fall short, on him who next 
Provoke? my envy, this new fixv'rire 175 

Ofhea,vea Uus man of ciay, son of despite, 
16* 



186 PARADISE LOST. [BockJX. 

Whom us the more to spite his iSIaker rais'd 
From dust. Spite then with spite is best repaid." 

So saying, through each thicket, dank or dry, 
Like a black mist low creeping, he held on 180 

His midnight search, where soonest he might find 
The serpent : him fast sleeping soon he found 
In labyrmth of many a round self roU'd, 
His head the nlidst, well stor'd Avith subtle wiles. 
Not yet in horrid shade or dismal den, 186 

Nor nocent yet, but on the grassy herb, 
Fearless, unfear'd he slept : in at his mouth 
The Devil enter'd, and his brutal sensc^ 
In heart, or head, possessing, soon inspir'd 
With act intelligential ; but his sleep 190 

Disturb'd not, waiting close th' approach of moi*n. 

Now, when the sacred light began to dawn 
fn Eden on the humid flowers, that breath'd 
Their morning incense, when all things that breathe 
From the earth's great altar send up silent praise 19p 
To the Creator, and his nostrils nil 
With grateful smell, forth came the human pair, 
And join'd their vocal worship to the choir 
Of creatures wanting voice ; that done, partake 
The season, prime for sweetest scents and airs : 200 
Then commune how that day they best may ply 
Their growing work ; for much their work outgrew 
The hands despatch of two gard'ning so wide, 
And Eve first to her husband thus began : 

"Adam ! well may we labour still to dress 205 
This garden, still to tend plant, herb, and flower, 
Our pleasant task enjoin'd, but till more hands 
Aid us, the work under our labour grows. 
Luxurious by restraint ; what we" by day 
Lop overgrown, or prune, or prop, or bind, SIO 

One night or two with wanton growth derides, 
Tending to wild. Thou, therefore, noAv advise, 
Or hear what to my mind first thoughts present , 
Let us divide our labours, thou where choice 
Leads thee, or wiiere most needs, whether to wind 
The woodbine round this arbour, or direct 21(1 

The clasping ivy where to climb, while I, 
In yonder spring of roses inlermix'd 



Book IX.] PARADISE LOST. 187 

With myrtle, find what to retress till noon : 

For wbiie so near each oilier thus all day 220 

Oar task, we choose, what wonder if so near 

Looks 'nterveno, and smiles, or object new 

Casual discourse draw on, which mterrnits 

Our day's work brou.s^ht to little, tlu>u2:li begrm 

Early, and th' hour of supper comes unearn'd :" 225 

To whom mild answef Adam thus return'd : 
" Sole Eve, associate sole, to me beyond 
Compare, above all living creatures dear ! 
Well hast thou motion'd, well tliy thoughts emplcy'd, 
How we might well fulfil the work which here 230 
God hath assign'd us, nor of me shalt pass 
Unprais'd ; for nothing lovelier can be found 
In woman, than to study household good. 
And good works in her husband to promote. 
Yet not so strictly hath our Lord impos'd 235 

Labour, as to debar us when we need 
Refreshment, whether food, or talk between, 
Food of tiie mind, or this sweet intercourse 
Of looks and smiles ; for smiles from reason flow, 
To brute denied, and are of love the food, 240 

Love not the lowest end of human life. 
For not to irksome toil, but to delight, 
He made us, and delight to reason join'd. 
These paths and bowers, doubt not but our jointhands 
Will keep from wilderness with ease, as wide 245 
As we need walk, till younger hands ere lonoj 
Assist us ; but if much converse perliaps 
Thee satiate, to short aljsence I could yield ; 
For solitude sometimes is best society. 
And short retirement urges sweet return. 250 

But other doubt possesses me, lest harm 
Befall thee sever'd from me ; for thou know'st 
What hath been warn'd us, what malicious foe, 
Envying our happiness, and of his own 
Despairing, seeks to work"us wo and shame 255 
By sly assault ; and somewhere nigh at hand 
Watches, no doubt, with greedy hope to find, 
His wish and best advantage, us asunder, 
Hopeless to circumvent us join'd, where each 
To other speedy aid might lend at need ; 260 

Whether his first design be to withdraw 
Our fealty from God, or to disturb 



188 PARADISE LOST. [Book fX. 

Conjugal love, than which perhaps no bliss 

Enjo^'d by us excites his envy more ; 

Or this, or worse, leave not the faithful side 26.^ 

That gave thee being, still shades thee and protects 

The wife, where danger or dishonour lurks, 

Safest and seemliest by her husband stays, 

Who guards her, or with her the worst endures." 

To whom the virgin majesty of Eve, 270 

As one who loves, and some unkindness meets, 
With sweet p.ustere composure thus replied : 

" Offspring of heaven and earth, and all earth's lord ' 
That such an enemy we have, who seeks 
Our ruin, both by thee inform'd I learn, 275 

And from the parting angel overheard, 
As in a shady nook I stood behind, 
Just then return'd at shut of evening flowers. 
Rut that thou shouldst my firmness therefore doubt 
. To God or thee, because we have a foe 230 

May tempt it, I expected not to hear. 
His violence thou fear'st not, being such 
As we, not capable of death or pain, 
Can either not receive, or can repel. 
His fraud is then thy fear, w^hich plain infers 285 
Thy equal fear, that my firm faith and lovo 
Can by his fraud be shaken or seduc'd ; [breast, 

Thoughts! which how found they harbour in thy 
Adam, misthought of her to thee so dear ?" 

To whom with healing words Adam replica 290 
" Daughter of God and man, immortal Eve ! 
For such thou art, from sin and blame entire ; 
Not difiident of thee do 1 dissuade 
Thy absence from my sight, but to avoid 
Th' attempt itself, intended by our foe. 295 

For he who tempts, though in vain, at least asperses 
The tempted with dishonour foul, suppos'd 
Not incorruptible of faith, not proof 
Against temptation: thou thyself with scorn 
And anger wouldst resent the offer'd wrong, 300 
Though ineffectual found ; misdeem not then, 
If such affront I labour to avert 
From thee alone, which on us both at once 
The enemy, though bold, will hardly dare. 



Book IX.] PARADISE LOST. iSD 

Or daring, first on me th' nssault shall liglit, 305 

Nor thou his muHce and false guile contemn ; 
Subtle he needs must be, who could seduce 
Angels, nor think superfluous others aid. 
I from the influence of thy looks receive 
Access in every virtue, in thy sight 310 

More wise, more watchful, stronger, if need were 
Of outward strength ; while shame, thou looking on, 
Sliame to be overcome or over-reach'd, 
Would utmost vigour raise, and rais'd unite. 
Why shouldst not thou like sense within thee feel 
When I am present, and thy trial choose 316 

With me, best witness of thy virtue tried?" 

So spake domestic Adam in his care 
And matrimonial love ; but Eve, who thought 
Less attributed to her faith sincere, 320 

Thus her reply with accent sweet renew'd : 
• « 

" If this be o\Tr coi dition, thus to dwell 
In narrow circuit straiten'd by a foe, 
Subtle or violent, vre not endued 
Single with like defence, wherever met, 325 

How are Ave happy, still in fear of harm? 
But harm precedes not sin ; only our foe 
Tempting affronts us with his foul esteem 
Of our integrity ; his foul esteem 
Sticks no dishonour on our front, but turns 330 

Foul on himself: then wherefore shunn'd or fear'd 
By us ? who rather double honour gain 
From his surmise prov'd false, find peace within, 
Favour from heaven, our witness from tli' ev«>nt. 
And what is faith, love, virtue, unassay'd? 335 

Alone, without exterior help sustain'd ? 
Let us- not then suspect our happy state 
Left GO imperfect by the Maker wise. 
As not secure to single or combin'd. 
Frail is our happiness, if this be so, 3*10 

And Eden were no Eden thus exiws'd,*' 

To whom thus Adam fervently replied: 
" O Woman, best arc all things as the will 
Of God ordain'd them; his creating hand 
Nothing imperfect or deficient left 345 

Of all that he created, muci\ less man, 
$ 



190 PARADISE LOST. [Book I '\ 

Or ought that mi^ght his happy stale secure, 

Secure from outward force ; within himself 

The danger Ues, yet lies within his power : 

Against his will he can receive no harm. 350 

Rut God left free the will ; for what obeys 

Reason is free, and reason he made right, 

But bid her well beware, and still erect, 

Lest by some fair appearmg good surprised, 

She dictate false, and misinform the will 355 

To do what God expressly hath forbid. 

Not then mistrust, but tender love enjoins, 

That I should mind thee oft, and mind thou me. 

Firm we subsist, yet possible to swerve, 

Since reason not impossibly may meet 360 

Some specious object by the foe suborn'd, 

And fall into deception unaware, 

Not keeping strictest watch, as she was warn'd. 

Seek not temptation then, which to avoid 

Were better, and most likely if from me • 36^ 

Thou sever not : trial will come unsought. 

Wouldst thou approve thy constancy ? approve 

First thy obedience ; th' other who can know, 

Not seemg thee attempted, who attest ? 

But if thou think trial unsought may find 370 

Us both securer than thus warn'd thou seem'st, 

Go ; for thy stay, not free, absents thee more ; 

Go in thy native innocence, I'ely 

On what thou hast of virtue, summon all, 374 

For God tow'rds thee hath done his part, do thine." 

So spake the patriarch of mankind ; but Eve 
Persisted, yet submiss, though last, replied : ' 

" With thy permission then, and thus, forewarn'd. 
Chiefly by what thy own last reasoning words 
Touch'd only, that our trial, when least sought, 380 
May find us both perhaps far less prepar'd, 
The willinger I go ; nor much expect 
A foe so proud will first the weaker seek ; 
So bent, the more shall shame him his repulse." 3S4 

Thus saying, from her husband's hand her hand 
Soft she withdrew, and like a wood-nymph light. 
Oread, or Dryad, or of Delia's train. 
Betook her to the groves, but Delia's self 



Book IX.\ PARADISE LOST. 191 

In gait surpass'd, and goddess-like deport ; 

Though not as she, with bow and quiver arm'd, 390 

But with such gard'ning tools as Art yet rude, 

Guiltless of fire, had form'd, or angels brought. 

To Pales, or Pomona, thus adorn'd, 

Likest she sccm'd Pomona when she fled 

Vertumnu.5, or to Ceres in her prime, 395 

Vet vi::,iii of Proserpina from Jove. 

Her long with ardent look his eye pursu'd 

Delighted, but desiring more her stay. 

Oft he to her his charge of quick return 

Repfeated, she to him as oft engag'd 400 

To be return'd by noon amid the bower. 

And all things in best order to invite 

Noontide repast, or afternoon's repose. 

O much deceiv'd, much faiUng, hapless Eve, 

Of thy presum'd return ! event perverse ! 405 

Thou never from that hour in Paradise 

Found'st either sweet repast, or sound repose ; 

Such ambush hid among sweet flowers and shades 

Waited with hellish rancour imminent 

To intercept thy way, or send thee back 410 

Despoil'd of innocence, of faith, of bliss. 

For now, and since first break of dawn, the fiend, 

Merc serpent in appearance, forth was come. 

And on his quest where likeliest he might find, 

The only two of mankind, but in them 415 

The whole included race, his purpos'd prey. 

In bower and field he sought, where any tuft 

Of grove or garden-plot more pleasant lay. 

Their tendance or plantation for delight; 

By fountain or by shady rivulet ^ 420 

Be sought them both, but wish'd his hap mii;ht. find 

Eve separate ; he wish'd, but not with ho]5e 

Of what so seldom chanc'd, when to his wish, 

Beyond his hope. Eve separate he spies, 

Veil'd in a cloud of fragrance, where she stood, -125 

Half spied, so thick the roses bushing round 

About her glow'd ; oft stooping to support 

Each flower of slender stalk, whose head tho' gay 

Carnation, purple, azure, or speck'd with gold, 

Hung drooping unsustain'd ; them she upstays 430 

Gently with myrtle band, mindless the'while 

Herself, though fairest unsupported flower, 

From her best prop so far, and storms so nigh. 



192 PARADISE LOST. [Book IX 

Nearer he drew, and many a walk travers d 

Of stateliest covert, cedar, pine, or palm ; 43£ 

Then voluble and bold, now hid, now seen, 

Among thick-woven arborets and flowers 

Imborder'd on each bank, the hand of Eve : 

Spot more delicious than those gardens feign' 

Or of reviv'd Adonis, or renown'd 440 

Alcinous, host of old Laertes' son, 

Or that, not mystic, where the sapient king 

Held dalliance with his fair Egyptian spouse. 

Much he the place admir'd, the person more. 

As one who long in populous city pent, 445 

Where houses thick and sewers annoy the air, 

Forth issuing, on a summer's morn, to breathe 

Among the pleasant villages and farms 

Adjoin'd, from each thing met conceives delight, 

The smell of grain, oy tedded grass, or kine, 450 

Or dairy, each rural sight, each rural sound ; 

If chance with nymph-like step fair virgin pass, 

What pleasing seem'd, for her now pleases more. 

She most, and in her look sums all delight ; 

Such pleasure took the serpent to behold 

This flowery plat, the sweet recess of Eve 

Thus early, thus alone ; her heavenly form 

Angelic, but mere soft and feminine. 

Her graceful innocence, her every air 

Of gesture, or least action, overaw'd 4CU 

His malice, and with rapine sweet bereav'd 

His fierceness of the fierce intent it brought : 

That space the evil one abstracted stood 

From his own evil, and for the time remain'd 

Stupidly good, of enmity disarm'd, 4(>5 

Of guile, of hate, of envy, of revenge ; 

But the hot hell that always in him burns, 

Though in mid heaven, soon ended his delight, 

And tortures him now more, the more he sees 

Of pleasure not for him ordain'd : then soon 470 

Fierce hate he recollects, and all his thoughts 

Of mischief, gratulating, thus excites: 

" Thoughts, whither have ye led me ? with what 
sweet 
Compulsion thus transported to forget 
What hither brought us ! hate, not love, nor hope 
Of Paradise for hell, hope here to taste 476 



Book IX.] PARADISE LOST. l93 

Of pleasi.ue, but all pleasure to destroy, 
Save what is in destroying; ether joy- 
To nic is lost. Then let me not let pass 
Occasion which now smiles ; behold alone 48C 

The woman, opporf.une to all attempts, 
Her husband, (for I y\c\v far round,) not nigh, 
Whose higher intellectual more I shun, 
And streWigih, of courage haughty, and of limb 
Heroic built, though of terrestrial mould, 485 

Foe not informidable, exempt from wound, 
i not ; so much hath hell deoas'd, and pain 
Enfeebled me, to what I was in heaven. 
She fair, divinely fair, fit love for gods, 
Not terrible, tliough teri'or be in love 490 

And beauty, not approach'd by stronger hate, 
Hate stronger, under show of love well feign' d, 
The way which to her ruin now I tend." 

So spake the enemy of mankind, enclosM 
[n serpent, inmate bad, and toward Eve 495 

Address'd his way, not with indented wave, 
Prone on the ground, as since ; but on his rear, 
Circular base of rising folds, that tower'd. 
Fold above fold, a siu-ging maze, his head 
Crested aloft, and carbuncle his eyes ; 5l)0 

With burnish'd neck of verdant gold, erect 
Amidst his circling spires, fhat on the grass 
Floated redundant: pleasmg was his shape, 
And lovely; never since of serpent kind 
Lovelier, not those that in Illyria chang'd 505 

Hermione and Cadmus, or the god 
In Epidaurus ; nor to which transform'd 
Ammonian Jove, or Capitoline was seen. 
He with Olympias, this with her who bore 
Scipio, the height of Rome. With tract oblique 510 
At first, as one who sought access, but feax'd 
To interrupt, side-long he works his >vay. 
As when a ship, by skilful steersman wrought, 
Nigh river's mouth or foreland, where the wind 
Veers oft, as oft so steers, and shifts her sail : 515 
So varied he, and of his tortuous train 
Curl'd many a wanton wreath in sight of Eve, 
To lure her eye ; she busied heard the sound 
Of rustlir.g .eaves, but minded not, as us'd 
To such disport before ber through the field. 520 
17 



194 PARARISE LOST. 

From every beast, more duteous at her call 

Than at CJrcean call the herd disguis'd, 

He bolder now, uncall'd before her siood, 

But as in gaze admiring : oft he bow'd 

His turret crest, and sleek enamell'd neck, 525 

Fawning, and lick'd the ground whereon she trod. 

His gentle dumb expression turn'd at lengt^ 

The eye of Eve to mark his play ; he glad 

Of her attention gain'd, with serpent tongue 

Organic, or impulse of vocal air, 530 

His fraudulent temptation thus began : 

" Wonder not, sov'reign mistress, if perhaps 
Thou canst, who art sole wonder ; much less arm 
Thy looks, the heaven of mildness, with disdain," 
Displeas'd that I approach thee thus, and gaze 535 
Insatiate, I thus single, nor have fear'd 
Thy awful brow, more awful thus retir'd. 
Fairest x'esemblance of thy Maker fair. 
Thee all things living gaze on, all things thine 
By gift, and thy celestial beauty adore 5iO 

With ravishment belield, there best beheld 
Where universally admir'd ; but here 
In this enclosure wild, these beasts among, 
Beholders rude, and shallow to discern 
Half what in thee is fair, one man except, 545 

Who sees thee ? (and what is one ?) who shouldst be 

seen 
A goddess among gods, ador'd and serv'd 
By angels numberless, thy daily train." 

So gloz'd the tempter, and his poem tun'd ; 
Iriio the heart of Eve his words made way, 550 

TJiough at the voice much marvelling ; at length 
Not unamaz'd she thus in answer spake : 

" What may this mean? language of man pro- 
nounc'd 
By tongue of brute, and Iwman sense express'd ? 
The first at least of these I thought denied 555 

To beasts, whom God on their creation day 
, Created mute to all articulate sound ; 
The latter I demur, for in their looks 
Much reason, and in their actions, oft appears. 
Thee, Serpent, subtlest beast of aU the field 560 



BookJX.] PARADISE LOST 195 

[ knew, but not "^vith human voice endued ; 

Redouble then this miracle, and say, 

How cam'st thcu speakable of mute, and how 

To me so friendly grown above the rest 

Of brutal kind, that daily are in sight ? 565 

Say, for such wonder clainn attention due." 

To whom the guileful tempter thus replied : 
" Empress of this fair world, resplendent Eve ' 
Eaoy to me it is to tell thee all 

What thou command'st, and right thou shouldst be 
obeyed : 570 

I was at first as other beasts that graze 
The trodden herb, of abject thoughts and low, 
As was my food ; nor ought but food discern'd 
Or sex, and apprehended nothing high; 
Till on a day, roving the field, I chanc'd 575 

A goody tree far distant to behold, 
Loaden with fruit of fairest colours mix'd, 
R-uddy and gold : I nearer drew to gaze ; 
When from the boughs a savoury odour blown, 
Grateful to appetite, more pleas'd my sense . 580 

Than smell of sweetest fennel, or the teats 
Of ewe or goat drooping with milk at even, 
Unsuck'd of lamb or kid, that tend their play. 
To satisfy the sharp desire I had 
Of tasting those fair apples, I resolv'd 5S5 

Not to defer ; hunger and thirst at once. 
Powerful persuaders, quicken'd at the scent 
Of that alluring fruit, urg'd me so keen. 
About the mossy trunk I wound me soon, 
For high from ground tlie branches would require 590 
Thy utmost reach, or Adam's : round the tree 
Another beasts that saw, with like desire 
Longing and envying stood, but could not reach. 
Amid the tree now got, where plenty hung 
Tempting so mgh, to pluck and eat my fill 51)5 

r spar'd not, for such pleasure till that hour 
At feed or fountain never had I found. 
Sated at Icngih, ere long I might perceive 
Strange alteration in me, to degree 
Of leason in my inward powers, and speech COO 

Wanted not long, thougli to this shape retain'd. 
Thenceforth to speculations high or deep 
I turn'd my thoughts, and with capacious mirid 



196 PARADISE LOST. [Book IX. 

Consider'd all things visible in heaven, 

Or earth, or middle, all things fair and good : 605 

But all that fair and good in thy divine 

Semblance, and in thy beauty's heavenly ray, 

United 1 beheld ; no fair to thine 

Equivalent or second, which compell'd 

Me thus, though importune perhaps, to come fllO 

A.nd gaze, and worship thee, of right declar'd 

Sov'reign of creatures, universal dame." 

So talk'd the spirited sly snake ; and Eve, 
Yet more amaz'd, unwary thus replied : 
" Serpent, thy overpraising leaves in doubt 615 

The virtue of that fruit, in thee first prov'd : 
But say, where grows the tree, from hence how far? 
For many are the trees of God that grow 
In Paradise, and various, yet unknown 
To us ; in such abundance lies our choice, 620 

As leaves a greater store of fruit untouch'd. 
Still hanging incorruptible, till men 
Grow up to their provision, and more hands 
Help to disburden Nature of her birth." 

To whom the wily adder, blithe and glad : 625 
" Empress, the way is ready, and not long ; 
Beyond a row of myrtles, on a flat, 
Fast by a fountain, one small thicket pass'd 
Of blowing myrrh and balm ; if thou accept 
My conduct, I can bring thee thither soon." , 630 

"Lead then," said Eve. He leading, swiftly roHM 
In tangles, and made intricate seem straight, 
To mischief swift. Hope elevates, and joy 
Brightens his crest ; as when a wand'ring fire. 
Compact of unctuous vapour, which the night 635 
Condenses, and the cold environs round. 
Kindled through agitation to a flame, 
Which oft, they say, some evil spirit attends, 
Hovering and blazing with delusive light. 
Misleads th' amaz'd night-wand'rer from his way; 640 
Thro' bogs and mires, and oft thro' pond or pool,' 
There swallow'd up and lost, from succour far, 
So glister'd the dire snake, and into fraud 
Led Eve, our credulous mother, to the tree 



Book IX.] PARADISE LOST. )9'i 

Of prolub\tion, root of all our wo ; 045 

Wliicli when siie saw, thus to her guide she spake : 

"Serpent, wcmi^Iit have spar'd our coming hither, 
Fruitless to me, though fruit be here to excess, 
The credit of whose virtue rest with thee. 
Wondrous indeed, if cause of such effects. 650 

But of this tree we may not taste nor toucli; 
God so commanded, and left that command 
Sole daughter of his voice ; the rest, we live 
Law to ourselves, our reason is our law." 

To whom the tempter guilefully replied : 655 

" Indeed I hath God then said that of the fruit 
Of all these garden trees ye shall not eat, 
Yet lords declar'd of all in earth or air ?" 

To whom thus Eve, yet sinless : " Of the fruit 
Of each tree in the garden we may eat, 660 

But of the fruit of this fair tree, amidst 
The garden, God hath said, ' Ye shall not eat 
Thereof, nor shall ye touch it, lest ye die.' " 

She scarce had said, though brief, when now more 
bold. 
The tempter, but with show of zeal and love 665 
To man, and indignation at his wrong, 
New part puts on, and as to passion mov'd, 
Fluctuates disturbed, yet comely and in act 
Rais'd, as some great matter to begin. 
As when of old some orator renown'd, 670 

In Athens, or free Rome, where eloquence 
Flourish'd, since mute, to some great cause address'd, 
Stood in himself collected, while each part. 
Motion, each act, won audience ere the tongue, 
Sometimes in height began, as no delay 675 

Or preface brooking through his zeal of right ; 
So standing, moving, or to height up-grown, 
The tempter, all impassion'd, thus began : 

" O sacred, wise, and wisdom-giving plant, 
Mother of science ! now I feel thy power 680 

Within me clear, not only to discern 
Things in their causes, but to trace th*> ways 
Of highest agents, deem'd however wise. 
17* 



I9B PARADISE LOST. [BoofcIX, 

Clueen of this universe, do not believe 
Those rig-id threats of death ; ye shall not die ; 685 
How should ye ? by the fruit ? it gives you life 
To knowledge ; by the threat'ner ? look on me, 
Me who have touch'd and tasted, yet both live, 
And life more perfect have attain'd than fate 
Meant me, by vent'ring higher than my lot. 690 

Shall that be sliut to man, which to the beast 
Is open ? or will God incense his ire "* 

For such a petty trespass, and not praise 
Rather your dauntless virtue, whom the pain 
Of death denounced, whatever thing death be, 695 
Deterr'd not from achieving what might lead 
To happier life, knowledge of good and evil ; 
Of good, how just? of evil, if what is evil 
Be real, why not known, since easier shunn'd 
God, therefore, cannot hurt ye, and be just ; 700 

Not just, not God ; not fear'd then, nor obey'd : 
\ou*r fear itself of death removes the fear. 
Why then was this forbid ? Why but to a.-we ; 
Why but to keep you low and ignorant, 
His worshippers ; he knows that in the day 705 
Ye eat thereof, your eyes that seem so clear, 
Yet are but dim, shall perfectly be then 
Open'd and clear'd, and ye shall be as gods. 
Knowing both good and evil as they know. 
That ye shall be as gods, since I as man, 710 

Internal man, is but proportion meet ; 
I of brute human, ye of human gods. 
So ye shall die perhaps, by putting off 
Human, to put on gods ; death to be wish'd, 
Though threaten'd, which no worse than this can 
bring. 715 

And wha* are gods that man may not become 
yVs they, participating godlike food ? 
The gods are first, and that advantage use 
On our belief, that all from them proceeds ; 
I question it ; for this fair earth I see, ^ 720 

Warm'd by the sun, producing every kind, 
Them nothing ; if they all things, who inclos'd 
Knowledge of good and evil in this tree 
That whoso eats thereof, forthwith attains 
Wisdom without their leave ? and wherein lies 725 
Th' offence, that man should thus attain to know 7 
What can your knowledge hurt him, or this tree 



Book IX.] PARADISE LOST. 199 

Impart against his will, if all be his ? 

Or is it envy, and can envy dwell 

In heavenly breasts? These, these, and many more 

Causes ini])ort your need of this fair fruit. 731 

Goddess humane, reach then, and freely taste." 

He ended, and his words replete with guile, 
Into her heart too easy entrance won. 
Fix'd on the fruit she g:az'd, which to behold 735 
Alight tempt alone, and in her ears the sound 
Yet runs: of his persuasive words, impregn'd 
With reason, to her seeming, and with truth. 
Meanwhile the hour of noon drew on, and wak'd 
An eager appetite, rais'd by the smell 74C 

So savoury of that fruit, which with desire, 
Inclinable now grown to touch or tasle, 
Solicited her longing eye ; yet first, 
Pausing awhile, thus to herself she mus'd : 714 

"Great are thy virtues, doubtless, best of fruits, 
Though kept from man, and worthy to be admir'd, 
Whose taste, too long forborne, at first essay 
Gave elocution to the mute, and taught 
The tongue not made for speech to speak thy praise : 
Thy praise he also, who forbids thy use, 750 

Conceals not from us, naming thee the tree 
Of knowledge, knowledge both of good and evil ; 
Forbids us then to ttvste, but his forbidding 
Commends thee more, while it infers the good 
By thee communicated, and our want : .755 

For good unknown, sure is not had, or had 
A.nd yet unknown, is as not had at all. 
In plain, then, what forbids he but to know, 
Forbids us good, forbids us to be wise ? 
Such prohibitions bind not. But if death 760 

Bind us with after-bands, what profits then 
Our inward freedom? In the day we cat 
Of this fair fruit, ourdocni is, we shall die. 
How dies the serpent ? he hath eaten and lives. 
And knows, and speaks, and reasons, and discerns, 
Irrational till then. For us alone 766 

Was death invoucd ? or to us denied 
This intellectual food, for beasts reserv'd ? 
For beasts it sccm.s : yet that one beast which first 
Liath tasted envies not, but brings with joy 770 



200 PARADISK LOST. [BooklX, 

Tho gor/d befallen him, author unsuspcct, 

Friendly to man, tar from deceit or guile. 

What fear I then, rather what know to feai 

Under this ignurance of good and evil, 

Of God or death, of law or penalty ? 77./ 

Here grows the cure of all, this fruit divine. 

Fair to the eye, inviting to the taste, 

Of virtue to make wise : what hinders then 

To reach, and feed at once both body and mind ?" 

So saying, her rash hand in evil hour 780 

Forth reaching to the fruit, she pluck'd, she eat ! 
Earth felt ihe wound, and Nature from her seat, 
Sighing through all her works, gave signs of wo 
That ail v/as lost. Back to the thicket slunk 
The guilty serpent, and well might ; for Eve, 785 
Intent now wholly on her taste, nought else 
Regarded, such delight till then, as seem'd. 
In fruit she never tasted, whether true 
Or fancied so, through expectation high 
Of knowledge, nor was Godhead from her thought. 
Greedily she ingorg'd without restraint, 791 

And knew not eating death. Satiate at length. 
And heighten'd as with wine, jocund and boon. 
Thus to herself she pleasingly began • 

"O sovereign, vn-tuous, precio'jis of all *rees 795 
In Paradise, of operation bless'd 
To sapience, hitherto obscur'd, infam'^cJ, 
And thy fair fruit let hang, as to no end 
Created ; but henceforth my early care, 
Not without song, each morning and due praiee, 800 
Shall tend thee, and the fertile burden ease 
Of thy full branches, offer'd free to all ; 
Till dieted by thee I grow mature 
In knowledge, as the gods who all things knovv- ; 
Though others envy what they cannot give ; 805 
For had the gift been theirs, it had not here 
Thus grown. Experience, next to thee I owe. 
Best guide ; not following thee I had remain'd 
In ignorance ; thou open'st wisdom's way. 
And givest access, though secret she retire. 810 

And I perhaps am secret ; heaven is high. 
High, and remote to see from thence distmct 



Book IX.] PARADISE LOST. 201 

Each thing on earth ; and other care perhaps 

May have diverted from continual watch 

Our great forbidder, safe with all his spies 815 

About him. But to Adam in what sort 

Shall I appear ? shall I to him make known 

As yet my change, and give him to partake 

Full happiness with me, or rather not, 

But keep the odds of knowledge in my power 820 

Without copartner ? so to add what wants 

In female sex, the more to draw his love, 

And render me more equal, and perhaps, 

A thing not undesirable, sometime 

Superior ; for inferior who is free ? 825 

This may be well : but what if God have seen, 

And death ensue ? then I shall be no more, 

And Adam, wedded to another Eve, 

Shall live with her enjoying, I extinct ; 

A death to think. Confirm'd then I resolve, S30 

Adam shall share with me in bliss or wo : 

So dear I love him, that with him all deaths 

I could endure, without him live no life." 

So saying, from the tree her step she turn'd. 
But first low reverence done, as to the power 835 
That dwelt within, Avhose presence had infus'd 
Into the plant sciential sap, deriv'd 
From nectar, drink of gods. Adam the while 
Waiting desirous her return, had wove 
Of choicest flowers a garland to adorn 840 

Her tresses, and her rural labours crown, 
As reapers oft are wont their harvest queen. 
Great joy he promised to his thoughts, and new 
Solace in her return, so long dela^'-'d ; 
yet oft his heart, divine of something ill, 845 

Misgave him ; he the falt'ring measure felt ; 
And forth to meet her went, the way she took 
That morn when first they parted ; by the tree 
Of knowledge he must pass, there he her met, 
Scarce from the tree returning ; in her hand 850 
A bough of fairest fruit, that downy smil'd. 
New gather'd, and ambrosial smell tliffus'd. 
To him she hasted ; in her face excuse 
Came prologue, and apology too prompt, 854 

Which with bland words at wijj she thus address'd ; 



202 PARADISE LOST {Book IX 

" Hast thou not wonder'd, Adam, at my stay ? 
Thee I have miss'd, and thought it long, depriv'd 
Thy presence, agony of love till now 
Not felt, nor shall be twice, for never more 
JMean I to try, what rash untried I sought, 860 

The pain of absence from thy sight. But strange 
Hath been the cause, and wonderful to hear. 
This tree is nt.., as we are told, a tree 
Of danger tasted, nor to evil unknown 
Opening the way, but of divine effect 865 

To open eyes, and make them gods who taste ; 
And hath been tasted such : the serpent wise, 
Or not restrain'd as we, or not obeying, 
Hath eaten of the fruit, and is become. 
Not dead, as v/e are threaten'd, but henceforth 870 
Endued with human voice and human sense, 
Reasoning to admiration, and with me 
Persuasively hath so prevail'd, that I 
Have also tasted, and have also found 
Th' effects to correspond; opener mine eyes, 875 
Dim erst, dilated spirits, ampler heart. 
And growing up to Godhead ; which for thee 
Chiefly I sought, without thee can despise. 
For bliss, as thou liast part, to me is bliss ; 
Tedious unshar'd with thee, and odious soon. 880 
Thou therefore also taste, that equal lot 
May join us, equal joy, as equal love ; 
Lest thou, not tasting, different degree 
Disjoin us, and f then too late renounce 
Deity for thee, when fate will not permit." 885 

Thus Eve with count'nance blithe her story told . 
But in her cheek distemper flushing glow'd. 
On th' other side, Adam, soon as he heax-d 
The fatal trespass done by Eve, amaz'd. 
Astonished stood and blank, while horror cliiil 830 
Ran through his veins, and all his joints relax'd: 
From his slack hand the garland wreath-d for Eve 
Down dropp'd, and all .he faded roses shed : 
!^pcechless he stood and pale, till thus at length 
If irst to himself he inwa '1 silence broke : 895 

"O fairest of creation, st and best 
Of all God's works, creature in whom exccU'd 
Whatever can to sight or thought be form'd 



Book IX.] PARADISE LOST 203 

Holy, divine, good, amiable, or swee*. . 

How art thou lost, how on a sudden lost, 900 

Defac'd, deiiower'd, and how to death devote ? 

Rather how hast thou yielded to transgress ^ 

The strict forbiddance, how to violate 

The sacred fruit forbidden ? some curs'd fraud 

Of enemy hath beguil'd thee, yet unknown, 905 

^.nd me with thee hath ruin'd, for with thee 

riertain my resolution is to die. 

■^ow can i live without thee, how forego 

riiy sweet converse, and love so dearly join'd, 

To live again in these wild woods forlorn ! 910 

Should God create another Eve, and I 

Vnother rib afford, yet loss of thee 

Would never from my heart ; no, no, I feel 

The link of nature draw me : flesh of flesh, 

Bone of my bone thou art, and from thy state 915 

Mine never shall be parted, bliss or wo." 

So having said, as one from sad dismay 
Recomforted, and after thoughts disturbed, 
Submitting to what seem'd remediless, 
Thus in calm mood lais words to Eve he turn'd : 920 

" Bold deed thou hast presum'd, advent'rous Eve, 
A.nd peril great provok'd, who thus lialh dar'd. 
Elad it been only coveting to eye 
That sacred fruit, sacred to abstinence. 
Much more to taste it under ban to touch. 925 

But past who can recall, or done undo ? 
Not God omnipotent, nor Fate ; yet so 
Perhaps thou shalt not die, perhaps the fact 
[s not so heinous now, foretasted fruit, 
Profan'd first by the serpent, by him first 930 

Made common and unhallow'd ere our taste ; 
Nor yet on him fouad deadly, he yet lives, 
Lives as thou said'st, and gains to live as man, 
Higher desree of life ; inducement strong 
To us, as like'y tasting to attain 935 

Proportional ascent, which cannot be 
But to be gods, or angels demi-gods. 
Nor can I think that God, Creator wise, 
Though threat'ning, will in earnest so destroy 
CJs his prime creatures, dignified so high, 940 

Set over all his works, which in our fall, 



2iU4 PARADISE LOST. [/Jyo/c IX, 

For us created, needs with us mu«t fail, 

Dependent made ; so God shall uncrcate, 

Be frustrate, do, undo, and labour lose, 

Not weU conceiv'd of God, who, thou2;h his power 

Creation couid repeat, yet would be loath 946 

Us to abolish, lest the adversary 

Triumph, and say, ' Fickle their state whom God 

iVIost favours ; who can please him long? Me first 

iie ruin'd, now mankind ; whom will he next?' 950 

'Matter of scorn, not to be given the foe. 

dowever I with thee have fix'd my lot, 

C5ertain to undergo hke doom ; if death 

Consort with thee, death is to me as life , 

So forcible within ray heart I feel 955 

The bond of nature draw me to my own, 

My own in thee, for what thou art is mine ; 

Our state cannot be sever'd, we are one, 

One flesh ; to lose thee were to lose myself." ' 

So Adam, and thus Eve to him replied : 9Q\k 

" glo'-ious trial of exceeding love, 
Illustrious evidence, example high ! 
Engaging me to emulate, but short 
Of thy perfection, how shall I attain, 
Adam? from whose dear side I boast me sprung, 985 
And gladly of our union hear thee speak. 
One heart, one soul in both ; wh,:reof good proof 
This day affords, declaring thee resolv'd,. 
Rather than death, or ought than death more dread. 
Shall separate us, link'd in love so dear, 970 

To undergo with me one guilt, one crime, 
If any be, of tasting this fair fruit, 
Whose virtue (for of good still good proceeds, 
Direct, or by occasion) hath presented 
This happy trial of thy love, which else 97.'5 

So eminently never had been known. 
Where it 1 thought death menac'd would ensue 
This my atten;;>t, I would sustain alone 
The worst, and not persuade thee, rather dis 
Deserted, than oblige thee with a fact 980 

Pernicious to thy peace, chiefly assur'd 
Remarkably so late of thy so true, 
So faithful love unequall'd : but I feel 
Far otherwise th' event, not death but life 
A.uijmented, open'd eyes, new hopes, new joys, 985 



Book IX.] PARADISE LOST. 205 

Taste so divine, that what of sweet before 

Hath touch'J my sense, flat seems to this, and harsh. 

On my experience, Adam, freely taste, 

And fear of death deUver to the winds." 

So saying, she embrac'd him, and for joy 990 

Ter-derly Avept, much won that he his love 
tind so enobled, as of choice to incur 
Divine displeasure for her sake, or death. 
In recompense for such compliance (bad 
Such recompense best merits) from the bough 995 
She gave him of that fair enticing fruit 
With liberal hand : he scrupled not to eat 
Against his better knowledge, not deceiv'cU 
But fondly overcome with female charm. 
Earth trembled from her entrails, as again lOOG 

In pangs, and Nature gave a second groan ; 
Sky lower'd, and, muttering thunder, some sad drops 
Wept at completing of the mortal sin 
Original ; while Adam took no thought, 
Eatmg his fill, nor Eve to iterate 1005 

Her former trespass fear'd, the more to sooth 
Him with her lov'd society, that now, 
As with new wine intoxicated both, 
They swim in mirth, and fancy that they feel 
Divinity within them breeding wings 1010 

Wherewith to scorn the earth : but that false fruit 
Far other operation first display'd. 
Carnal desire inflaming ; he on Eve 
Began to cast lascivious eyes ; she him 
As M'antonly repaid ; in lust they burn : 1015 

Till Adam thus 'gan Eve to dalliance move : 

" Eve, now I see thou art exact of taste, 
And elegant, of sapience no small part, 
Since to each meaning savour we apply, 
And palate call judicious ; I the praise 1020 

Yield thee, so well this day thou hast purvey'd. 
Much pleasure v'^e have lost, while we abstained 
From this delighful fruit, nor known till now 
True relish, ta?Mng ; if such pleasure be 
In things to us h rbidden, it might be wish'd, 1025 
For this one tree had been forbidden ten. 
But come, so well refresh'd now let us play. 
As ipeet is after such delicious fare : 
18 



206 PARADISE LOST. \SookiX 

For never did thy Infant v, since the day 

I saw thee first, and woJdod thee, adoru'd 1030 

With all pcrteciions, so intlanie my sense 

With ardour to enjoy thee, fairer now 

Than ever, Iwjanty of this virtuous tree." 

So said he, and forbore not glance or toy 
Of amorous intent, well understood 1035 

Of Eve, whose eye darted contagious fire. 
Her hand he seiz'd, and to a shady bank, 
Thick over head with verdant r«.x>f imbower'd, 
He led her, nothing loath ; flowers were tlie couch, 
Pansies, and violets, and asphodel, 1040 

And hyacinth, earth's freshest, softest lap. 
There "they their fill of love and love's disport 
Took lai-gely, of their mutual guilt the seal, 
The solace oftheir sin, till dewy sleep 
Oppress'd them, wearied with their amorous play. 

Soon as tine force of tliat fallacious fruit, 104C 

That with exhilarating vapour bland 
About their spirits had play'd, and inmost powers 
Made err, was now exhal'd ; and grosser sleep, 
Bred of unkindly fumes, with conscious dreams 1050 
Encumber'd, now had left them ; up they rose 
As from unrest, and, each the other viewing. 
Soon found their eyes how open'd, and their minds 
How darkened ; innocence, that as a veil 
Had shadow 'd them fron\ knowing ill, was gone, 
Just confidence, and native righteousness, 1056 

And honour from about them naked left 
To guilty shame ; he covcr'd, but his robe 
Uncoverd more. So rose the Danite strong, 
Herculean Samson, from the harlot-lap 1060 

Of Philistean Dalilah, and wak'd 
Shorn of his strength. They destitute and bare 
Of all their virtue : silent, and in face 
Confounded, long they sat, as strucken mute. 
Till Adam, though not less than Eve abash'd, 1065 
A t lengtli gave iitterance to these words constrain'd • 

" O Eve. in evil hour thou didst give ear 
To tl:at false worm, of whomsoever taught 
To counterfeit man's voice, true m our fall, 
false in our promis'd rising; since our eves 107C 



eooklX.] PARADISE LOPT. 207 

'Jpen'd we find indeed, and find we know 

Both good and evil, good lost, and evil got . 

Bad fruit of knowledge, if this be to know, 

Which leaves us naked thus, of honour void, 

Of innocence, of faith, of purity, 1075 

Our -v-ontcd ornaments now soil'd and stain'd, 

And in our faces evident the signs 

Of foul concupiscence ; whence evil store ; 

Even shame, the last of evils: of the first 

[Je sure then. How shall I behold the face 1090 

Elenceforth of God or angel, erst with joy 

And rapture so oft beheld ? those heavenly shapes 

Will dazzle now this earthly with their blaze 

Insufferably bright. O might I here 

In solitude live savage, in some glade 1086 

Obscur'd, where highest woods, impenetrable 

To star or sun light, spread their umbrage brcftid 

And brown as evening.^Cover me, ye pines, 

Y"e cedars, with innumerable boughs 

Hide me, where I may never see them more ! 109O 

But let us now as in bad plight, devise 

What best may for the present sen/e to hide 

The parts of each from other, that seem most 

To shame obnoxious, and unseemliest seen ; 

Some tree, whose broad smooth leaves together sew'd, 

And girded on our loins, may cover round 1090 

Those middle parts, that this new comer, shame, 

There sit not, and reproach us as unclean." 

So counsell'd he, and both together v/ent 
Into the thickest wood ; there soon they chose 1100 
The fig-tree, not that kind for Iruit renown'd, 
But such as at this day to Indians known 
In Malabar or Decan spreads her arms 
Branching so broad and long, that in the ground 
The bended twigs take root, and daughters gi'ow 
\bout the mother tree, a pillar'd shade 1 106 

High overarch'd, and echoing walks between ; 
There oft the Indian herdsman, shunning heat. 
Shelters in cool, and tends his pasturing herds 
At loop-holes cut thro' thickest shade. Tliose leaves 
They gather'd, broad as Amazonian targe, 1111 

And with what skill they had, together sew'd. 
To gird their waist, vain covering if to hide 
Their g\xiU and. dreaded shame ; O how unlike 



£08 PARADISE LOST. [Book IX. 

To that first naked glory ! Such of late 1115 

Columbus found th' American, so girt 

With feather'd cincture, naked else and wild 

Among the trees on isles and woody shores. 

Thus fenc'd, and as they thought, their shame in part 

Cover'd, but, not at rest or ease of mind, 1 120 

They sat them down to weep; nor only tears 

Rain'd at their eyes, but high winds worse witliin 

Began to rise, high passions, anger, hate, 

Mistrust, suspicion, discord, and shook sore 

Their inward state of mind, calm region once 1125 

And Yull of peace, now toss'd and turbulent : 

For understanding rul'd not, and the will 

Heard not her lore, both in subjection now 

To sensual appetite, who from beneath, 

LFsurpiriff over sov'reign reason, claim'd 1130 

Superior sway : from this distemper'd breast, 

Adam, estrang'd in look and^lter'd style, 

Speech intermitted thus to Eve renew'd : 

"Would thou hadst hearken'd to my words, and 
stay'd 
With me, as I besought thee, when that strange 
Desire of wand'ring this unhappy morn, 1136 

I know not whence possess'd thee ; we had then 
Remained still happy, not as now, despoil'd 
Of all our good, sham'd, naked, miserable. 
Let none henceforth seek needless cause t' approve 
The faith they owe; when earnestly they seek 114J 
Such proof, conclude, they then begii> to fail.'* 

To whom, soon mov'd with touch of blame, thus 
Eve: 
" What words have pass'd thy lips, Adam, severe ! 
Imput'st thou that to my default, or v/ill 1 145 

Of wanri'ring, as thou call'st it, which who knows 
But might as ill have happen'd thou being by. 
Or to thyself perhaps ? Hadst tliou been there, 
Or here th' attempt, thou couldst not have discer*^'*? 
Fraud in the serpent, speaking as he spake ; 1150 
No ground of enmity between us known. 
Why he should mean me ill, or seek to harm. 
Was I to have nev^r parted from thy side ? 
As good have grown there still a lifeless riL\ 
Being as I am, why didst not thou, the head, 



noqklX.] PARADISE LOST. 209 

Command me absolutely not to go, 

Going into such danger as thou saidst ? 

Too facile then thou didst not much gainsay, 

Nay didst permit, approve, and fair dismiss. 

Hadst thou been firm and fix'd in thy dissent, I IGO 

Neither had I transgress'd, nor thou with me." 

To -whom then first incens'd, Adam replied ; 
"Is this the love, is this the recompense 
Of mine to thee, ingrateful Eve, express'd 
Immutable, when thou wert lost, not 1 ; 1165 

Who miffht have liv'd and joy'd immortal bliss, 
Yet willingly chose ratl^r death with thee ? 
A.nd am I nov.' upbraided as the cause 
Of thy transgressing? not enough severe. 
It seems in my restraint: what could I more ? 1170 
[ warn'd thee, I admonish'd thee, foretold 
The danger, and the lurking enemy 
That lay in wait ; beyond this had been force, 
And force upon free will hath here no place. 
But confidence then bore thee on, secure 1 175 

Either to n'eet no danger, or to find 
Matter of glorious trial ; and perhaps 
I also err'd in ovennuch admiring 
What seem'd in thee so perfect, that I thought 
No evil durst attempt thee, but I rue 1 180 

Tiiat error now, which is ben:;ome my crime, 
And thou th' accuser. Thus it shall befall 
•Him who to worth in woman overtrusting 
Lets her will rule ; restraint she v/ill not brook, 
And left to herself, if evil thence ensue, 1 18.5 

She first his weak indulgence will accuse." 

Thus they in mutual accusation spent 
The fruitless hours, but neither self-condemning 
A.i(d of their vain contest appear'd no end. 



END OF BOOK NINTH, 



PARADISE LOST, 



BOOK X. 



TUE ARGUMENT. 



MajVs transgressioji knoion, the g-uardmi angeh for' 
sake Paradise, and return up to heaven to approve 
. their vigiiaiice; and are approved; God declaring 
that the entrance of Satan could not be by them pre- 
vented. He sends his So7i to judge the transgres' 
sors, xoho descends and gives sc7ilence accordingly; 
then in pity clothes them both, aiid reascends. Sin 
and Death, sitting till then at the gates of hell, hy 
wondrous sympathy, feeling the success of Satan in 
this 7ieio world, and the sin by man there committed, 
resolve to sit no longer confined in hell, but to follow 
Satan their sire up to the place of man. To make 
the AC ay easier from hell to this world to and fro, they, 
pave a broad highicay or bridge over Chaos, according 
to the track that Satan first made; then preparing 
for earth, they meet htm, proud of his success, retui-n- 
ing to hell ; their mutual gratuhalion. Satan arrives 
at Pandemonium; in full assembly relates, with boast 
ing, his success against man; instead of applause is 
entertained loith a general hiss by all his audience^ 
transformed ivith himself also suddenly into serpents, 
according to his doom given in Paradise : then, de- 
luded with a shoio of the forbidden tree springing up 
before them, they, greedily reaching to take ofthefndti 
chew dust and bitter ashes. The proceedings of Sw 
and Death. God foretells the final victory of his Son 
over them, aiid the renewing of all things ; but, for 
the present cominands his angels to make several al- 
terations in tiie heavens and eUmenti. „idam, mffrc 



«9oik X.] PARADISE LOST. 2 1 1 

and more perceiving hi^ fallen condition, henvUy be- 
wails ; rrjccts Ihe condolement of Eve ; she persists^ 
and at len'j;th appeases him : then, to evade the curse 
likely to fall on their offspring, proposes to Mam tno- 
•lent loays, xchich he approves not, but conceiving bet- 
ter hope, pxds her in mind of the late promise made 
them, that her se;d should be revenged on the Serpent^ 
and exhorts her, with him, to seek peace toilh the of- 
fended Deity by repentance and supplication. 



Meanwhile the 5ieinous and despiteful act 
Of Satan done in Paradise, and how 
He jn the serpent had perverted Eve, 
Her husband she, to taste the fatal fruit, 
Was known in heaven ; for what can scape the eye 5 
Of God all-seeing, or deceive his heart 
Omniscient ? who, in all things wise and just, 
Hinder'd not Satan to attempt the mind 
Of man, with strength entire, andjiree-will arm'a 
Complete to have discover'd and repuls'd 10 

Whatever wiles of foe or seeming friend. 
For still they knew, and ought to have still remera- 

ber'd, 
The high injunction not to taste that fruit. 
Whoever tempted ; which they not obeying, 
Incurr'd (what could they less?) the penalty, 15 

And, manifold in sin, deserv'd to fall. 

Up into heaven from Paradise in haste 
Th' angelic guards ascended, mute and sad 
For man, for of his state by this they knew, 
Much wond'ring how the subtle fiend had stol'n 20 
Entrance unseen. Soon as th' unwelcome news 
From earth arriv'd at heaven-gate, displeas'd 
All were who heard ; dim sadness did not spare 
That time celestial visages, yet mix'd 
With pity, violated not their bliss. 25 

About the new-arriv'd in multitudes 
The ethereal people ran, to hear and know 
How all befell : they towards the throne supreme 
Accountable made haste to make appear 
SVith righteous plea their utmost vigilance, 30 

A.nd easily approv'd • when the Most High 



S10 PARADISE LOST. [Book ^ 

Eternal Father, from his secret cloud, 
Amidst in thunder utter'd thus his voice : 

" Assembled angels, and ye powers return'd 
FlX)m unsuccessful charge, be not disniay'd, 3& 

Nor troubled at these tidings from the earth, 
Which your sincerest care could not prevent ; 
Foretold so lately what would come to pass 
When first this tempter cross'd the gulf from hell. 
I told ye then he should prevail and speed 40^ 

On his^ad errand, man should be seduc'd 
And flatier'd out of all, believing lies 
Against his Maker ; no decree of mine 
Concurring to necessitate his fall, 
Or touch with hghtest moment of impulse 4S 

His free-will, to her own inclining left j 

In even scale. But fallen he is ; and now 
What rests, but that the mortal sentence pass 
On his transgression, death denounc'd that day ? 
Which he presumes already vain and void, 50 

Because nof'yet inflicted, as he fear'd. 
By some immediate stroke ; but soon shall find 
Forbearance no acquittance ere day end. 
Tustice shall not return as bounty scorn'd. 
But \vhom send I lo judge them ? Whom but thee, 
Vicegerent Son ? to thee T have transferr'd 5& 

All judgment, whether in heaven, or earth, or hell. 
Easy it rnay be seen that I intend 
Mercy colleague with justice, sending thee 
Man's friend, his mediator, his design'd 66 

Both ransom and redeemer voluntary, 
And destin'd man himself to judge man fallen." 

So spake the Father, and unfolding bright 
Toward the right hand his glory, on the Son 
Blaz'd forth unclouded Deity ; he full 65 

Resplendent all his Father manifest 
Express'd, and thus divinely answer'd mild: 

" Father Eternal, thine is to decree. 
Mine both in heaven and earth to do thy will 
Supreme, that thou in me thy Son belov'd 7& 

May'st ever rest well pleas'd. I go to judge 
On earth these thy transgressors, but thou know'&t, 
Whoever judg'd, the worst on mc must light, 



BookX.^i PARADISE LOST. 213 

When time shall be, for so I undertook 

Before thee ; and not repenting, this obtain 75 

Of right, that I may mitigate their doom 

On me deriv'd ; yet I shall temper so 

Justice with mercy, as may illustrate most 

Them fuU]^ satisfied, and Thee appease. 

Attendance none shall need, nor train, where none 80 

Are to behold the judgment, but the judg'd. 

Those two ; the third best absent is condcmn'd. 

Convict by ihght, and rebel to all law : 

Conviction to the serpent none belongs." 

Thus saying, from his radiant seat he rose 85 

Of high collateral glory : him, thrones and po\yers. 
Princedoms and dominations, niinistrant. 
Accompanied to heaven-gate, from whence 
Eden and ail the coast in prospect lay. 
Down he descended straight ; the speed of gods 90 
Time counts not, tho' with swiftest minutes wing'd. 
Now was the sun in western cadence low 
From noon, and gentle airs, due at their hour 
To fan tiie enrth, now wak'd, ami usher in 
The evenuig; cool, when he from wraih more cool 9ii 
Came the mild judge and intercessor both 
To sentence man : the voice of God they heard, 
Now walking in the garden, by soft winds 
Brought to their ears, while day declin'd ; they heard. 
And from his presence hid themselves among lOft 
The thickest trees, both nian and wife, till God 
Approaching, thus to Adani calVd aloud : 

" Where art thou, Adam, wont with joy to meet 
My coming seen far off? I miss tliee here. 
Not pleas'd, thus entertain'd with solitude, 10s 

Where obvious duty ere while appear'd unsought : 
Or come I less conspicuous, or what change 
Absents th&e, or what chance detain^? Come fortli.' 

He caEe, and with him Eve, more loath, tho' first 
ToolTend, discount'nanc'd both, and discompos'd; 
Love was not in their looks, either to God ill 

Or to each other, but apparent guilt, 
And shame, and perturba:ion, and despair. 
Anger, and obstinacy, and hate, and guile. 
Whence Adam falt'nng long, tnus answer'd brief 



314 PAJLiDlSK LOST. I 

" I ne^- d ihee in the garden, and ei dif voiee 1 18 
Afraid, being naked, hid mrselfl" To whom 
The gracious Judge wiihcut reriie replied : 
*^ Mt Toke thoa oft kast h^rd, and liast not fear'd, 
Bai stin rejoie'd: hoir is it now become 120 

So dreadfol to thee ? that thoa art naked, who 
Hath told Ihee ? hast tlwa eaten of the tree^ 
Whaeof I gaTe thee <^ar§e thoushooldst not eaL** 

To whom thss Adam, sore beset, replied : 
*^0 heaven! in evil strait this day I siand 185 

Bef<M^ my Judge, either lo undergo 
''•^ " :Iie totad ctime, or to accuse 

•r sel^ the partn^ of my life ; 
railing, whue barfeith to me remauis, 
I sbouid conceal, and not expose to blame J 3& 

By my oompiaint ; but strict necessity 
Sobdnes me, and calamkoos constrain:. 
Lest on my head both sin and punisluuent. 
However insopportaUe, be all 
DerolT'd ; though shodhd I hold my pe&c^ yet thoa 
Wooldst ea^y detect what I conceaL 136 

Tliis woman, whom thou mad'si to be my help 
And gav'st me as thy pafect giii, so good. 
So n^ so acoept^k, so divine. 

Thai from h«r l^md I could suspect no i3. lAd 

And what ^»e did, whatever in itself 
Her doing se^n'd to justify the deed ; 
She gave me of the tree, and I did eat." 

To -whom the sov'reign Preseace thus replied : 
^ Was she ihy Grod, that her ihou didsl obey 146 
Be£;tfe his voice, or was she made thy guide^ 
Supeiior, or but equal, that to her 
Thou didst resign thy manhood, and the place 
Wherein Grod set \kee above her, mode of tXty^ 
And fa- thee, wh<»- _._%-.. .-3^. gxceli'd lad 

Hers in all real dig. r.-d 

She was indeed, an^ .:.:iraci 

Thy love, not thy suhjeeiKfi]: ; ar.d her gifts 
Were such as unider gOTemmeiit well seem'd 
(Jnaeemiy to bear rule, which n-as thy par. 15$ 

4nd petsoOy hadst thou known thyself ari^^' 



e^ok X] PARADISE LOST. 215 

So having said, he thus to Eve in few ; 
** Say, Women, what is this which thou hast done V^ 

To whorn sad Eve, with shame nigh ovemhelm'd. 
Confessing soon, yet not before her Judge 160 

Bold or loquacious, thus abashed, replied : 
" The serpent me beguil-d, and I did eat." 

Which when the Lord God heard, without delay 
To judgment he proceeded on th' accurs'd 
Serpent, though brute, unable to transfer 1€£ 

The ^ilt on hirn who made him instrument 
Of mischief, and polluted from the end 
Of his creation ; justly then accurs'd, 
As vitiated in nature : more to know 
Conccm'd not man (since he no further knew) 170 
Nor alter'd his offence ; yet God at last 
To Satan, first in sin, his doom applic-d. 
Though in mysterous terms, judg'd as then best : 
And on the serpent thus hi^ curse let fall : 
" Because thou hast done this, thou art acau*s'd 
Above all cattle, each beast of the field ; 176 

Upon thy belly grov'ling thou shalt go, 
And dust shalt eat all the days of thy life. 
Between thee and the woman I vnH put 
Enmity, and between thine and her seed ; 18^ 

Her seed shall bruise tliy head, thou bruise his heeL" 

So spake this oracle, then verified 
When Jesus, son of Mary, second Eve, 
Saw Satan fall like lightning down fix)m heaven, 
Prince of the air ; tiien rising from his grav^ 185 
Spoil'd principalities and powers, triumph'd 
In open show, and with ascension bright. 
Captivity led captive through the air, 
The realm itself of Satan long usurp'd. 
Whom he shall tread at last under our feet ; 190 
Even he who now foretold his fatal bruise. 
And to the woman thus his sentence tum'd 
** Thy sorrow I will greatly m.ultiply 
By thy conception ; children thou shalt bring 
In sorrow forth ; and to thy husband's will 195 

Thine shall submit ; he over thee shall rule." 

On Adeim last thus judgment he pronounced . 
" Because thou hast hearken'd to the voice of thy wile 



316 PARADISE L03T. [Book X. 

And eaten of the tree, concei-ning which 199 

I charg'd thee, saying, ' Thou shalt not eat thereof: 
Curs'd is the ground for thy sake ; thou in soitow 
Shalt eat thereof all the days of thy life ; 
Thorns also and thistles it shall bring thee forth 
Unhid ; and thor. shall eat th' herb of the field, 
In the sweat of tliy face shalt thou eat bread, 205 
Till thou return unto the ground ; for thou 
Out of the ground was taken, know thy birth, 
For dust thou art, and shalt to dust return." 

So judg'd he Man, both Judge and Saviour sent. 
And th' instant stroke of death denounc'd, that day 
Remov'd far off ; then pitying how they stood 21 1 
Before him naked to the air, that now 
Must suffer change, disdain'd not to begin 
Thenceforth the form of servant to assume, 
As when he wasl 'd his servants feet, so now, 2J5 
As father of his fa nily, he clad 
Their nakedness with skins of beasts, or slain, 
Or as the snake with youthful coat repaid ; 
And thought not much to clothe his enemies ; 
Nor he their outward only with the skins 220 

Of beasts, but inward nakedness, much more 
Opprobrious, with his robe of righteousness. 
Arraying cover'd from his Father's sight. 
To him with swift ascent he up return'd, 
Into his blissful bosom reassum'd 225 

In glory as of old ; to him appeas'd 
All, though all-knowing, what had pass'd with man 
Recounted, mixing intercession sweet. 

Meanwhile, ere thus we sinn'd and judg'd on earth, 
Withm the gates of hell sat Sin and Death, 230 
In counterview within the gates, that now 
Stood open wide, belching outrageous flame 
Far into Chaos, since the fiend pass'd through. 
Sin opening, who thus now to Death began : 

" O son, why sit we here each other viewing 235 
Idly, while Satan, our great author, thrives 
In other worlds, and happier seat provides 
For us his offspring dear ? It cannot be 
But that success attends him ; if mishap. 
Ere this he had return'd, witli fury driven 240 



Book X.J PARADISE LOST. 217 

By his avengers, since no place like this 

Can fit his punishment or their revenge. 

Methinks I feci new strength within me rise, 

Wings growing, and dominion given me large 

Beyond this deep ; whatever draws me on, 24a 

Or sympathy, or some connatural force 

Powerful at greatest distance to unite 

With secret amity things of like kind 

By sccretest conveyance. Thou, my sJiade 

Inseparable, must with me along : 250 

For Death from Sin no power can separate. 

But lest the difficulty of passing back 

Stay his return perhaps over this gulf 

[mpassable, impervious, lot us try 

Advoit'rous work, yet to thy power and mine 255 

Not unagreeable, to found a path 

Over this main from hell to that new world 

Where Satan now prevails, a*ionument 

Of merit high to all th' infernal host. 

Easing their passage hence, for intercourse, 230 

Or transmigression, as their lot sliall lead. 

Nor can I miss the way, so strongly drawn 

By this new-felt attraction and instinct." 

Whom thus the meagre Shadow answer'd soon . 
" Go whither fate and mclination strong 26£ 

Leads thee ; I shall not lag behind, nor err 
The way, thou leading, sucli a scent 1 draw 
Of carnage, prey innumerable, and taste 
The savour of death from all things there that lire : 
Nor shall I to the work thou enterprisest 27U 

Be wanting, but afford thee equal aid." 

So saying, with delight he snufPd th« smell 
Of mortal change on earth. As when a flock 
Of ravenous fowl, though many a league remote 
Against the day of battle, to a field, 275 

Where armies lie encamp'd, come flying, lur'd 
With scent of living carcasses design'd 
For death, the following day, in bloody fight : 
So scented the grim Feature, and upturn'd 
His nostril wide into the murky air, 2&6 

Sagacious of his quarry from so far. 
Then both from out hell-gates into the waste 
Wi J(' anarchy of Chaos damp and dark 
19 



^'2ib 



PARADISE LOST. [Book X 



Flew diverse, and with power (their power was great 

Hovering upon the waters, what they met, 2S£ 

Solid or slimy, as in raging sea 

Toss'd up and down, together crov/ded droYc 

From each side shoaling tow'rds the mouth of ii:ll : 

As when two polar winds, blowing adverse 

Upon the Cronian sea, together drive 2S'0 

Mountains of ice, that stop th' imagin'd way 

Beyond Petsora eastward, to the rich 

Cathaian coast. The aggregated soil 

Death, with ms mace petrific, cold and dry, 

As with a trident smote, and fix'd as firm 295 

As Delos floating once ; the rest his look 

Bound with Gorgonian rigour not to move 

And with Asphaltic slime, broad as the gate, 

Deep to the roots of hell, the gather'd beach 

They fasten'd. and the mole immense wrought on 

Over the foammg deep high-arcli'd, a bridge 30 J 

Of length prodigious, joining to the wall 

fmm.oveable of this now fenceless world 

Forfeit to death ; from hence a passage broad, 

Smooth, easy, inoffensive, down to hell. 305 

So, if great things to small may be compared 

Xerxes, the hberty of Greece to yoke, 

From Susa his Memnonian palace high 

Came to the sea, and over Hellespont 

Bridging his v/ay, Europe with Asia j^in'd, 310 

And scourg'd v/ith many a stroke th' indignant waves. 

Now had they brought the v/ork by wondrous art 

Pontifical, a ridge of pendent rock, 

Over the vex'd abyss, following the track 

Of Satan to the self-same place wh-cre he 313 

First lighted from liis wing, and landed safe 

From out of Chaos, to the outside bare 

Of this round world : with pins of adamant , 

And chains they made all fast, too fast they made 

And durable ; and now in little space 320 

The confines met of empyrean heaven 

And of this world, and on the left hand hell 

With long reach interpos'd ; three several v/ays 

In sight, to each of these three places led. 

And now their way to earth they had descried, 325 

To Paradise first tending, when behold 

Satan, in likeness of an angol bright, 

Betwixt the Centaur and the Scorpion stcerma; 



Book X.] PARADISE LOST 219 

His zenith, while the sim in Aries rose • 

Disguis'd he came, but those his children acar 330 

Their j.arent soon discern'd, though in disguise. 

He, after Eve seduc'd, unminded slunk 

[nto the wood fast by, and changing shajsc 

To observe the sequel, saw his guilefiU vict 

By Eve, though all unvveeting, seconde:'. 335 

Upon her husband, saw their shame that sought 

Vain covertures ; but when he saw descend 

The Son of God to judge them, terrified 

He fled, not hoping to escape, but shun 

The present, fearing, guilty, what his wrath 340 

Might suddenly inflict ; that past, return'd 

By night, and list'ning where the hapless pair 

Sat in their sad discourse, and various plamt, 

Thence gather'd his own doom, which understood 

Not instant, but of future time, with joy 345 

A.nd tidings fraught, to hell he now return'd, i 

And at the brink of Chaos, near the foot -f 

Of*lhis ncAv wondrous pontifice, unhop'd 

Met, who to meet him came, his ofFsprin;^ dear. 

Great-joy was at their meeting, and at sight 350 

Of that stupendous bridge his joy increas'd. 

Long he admiring stood, till Sin, his fair 

Enchanting daughter, thus the silence broke : 

" O parent, these are thy magnific deeds, 
Thy trophifcs, which thou view'st as not thine own , 
Thou art their author and pi'ime architect : 356 

For I no sooner in my heart divin'd, 
My heart, which by a secret harmony 
Still moves with thine, join'd in connexion sweet, 
That thou on earth hadst prosper'd, which, thy \o6k< 
Now aho evidence, but straight I felt, 36i 

Though distant from thee worlds between, yet ieUifvJ 
That 1 must after thee witli this thy son, , .'-' 

Such fatal consequence unites us three : . . 

Hell could no longer hold us in her bounds, 365 

Nor this unvoyageable gulf obscure 
Detain from following thy illustrious track. 
Thou hast achiev'd our liberty, confin'd 
Within hell-gates, till now, thou us impower'd 
To fortify thus far, and overlay 370 

With this porter tous bridge the dark abyss. 
Thine now is all this world : thy virtue hath won 



220 PARADISE LOST. [Book X. 

What thy hands builded not, thy wisdom gain'd 

With odds what war hath lost, and fully aveng:'d 

Our foil in heaven ; here thou shah nx)narch reign, 

There didst not ; there let him still victor sway, 376 

As battle hath adjudg'd, from this new world 

Retiring, by his own doom alienated, 

And henceforth monarchy with tliee divide 

Of all things parted by th' empyreal bounds, SSO 

His quadrature, from thy orbicular world, 

Or try thee now more dang'rous to liis tlsrone." 

Whom thus the prince of darkness answer'd glad 
* Fair daughter, and thou son and grandchild both, 
High proof ye now have given to be the race 386 
Of Satan, (for I glory in the name 
Antagonist of heaven's Almighty king,) 
Amply have merited of me, of all 
rh' infernal empire, that so near heaven's door 
Triumphal with trixmiphal act have met, 390 

Mine with this glorious work, and made one reahn. 
Hell and tius world one realm, one continent 
CM" easy thoroughfare. Therefore while I 
Descend through darkness, on your road v*-ith ease, 
To my associate powers, them to acquaint 395 

With these successes, and with them rejoice ; 
Yon two this way, among these numerous orbs 
All yours, right down to Paradise descend ; 
There dwell and reign in bliss, thence oit the earth 
Dominion exercise, and in the air. 400 

Chiefly on man, sole lord of all declar'd, 
Him first make sure your tlvrall, and lastly kill. 
My substitutes I send ye, and create 
Plenipotent on earth, of matchless might 
Issuing from me : on your joint vigour now 405 

My hold of this new kingdom all depends, 
Through sin to death expos'd by my exploit. 
If your joint power prevail, th' affairs of hell 
No detriment need fear ; go, and be strong.'* 

So saying, he dismissed them ; they with spted 41C 
Their course thr )Ui:h thickest constellations held, 
Spreading their i->ane ; the blsisted stars look'd wan, 
And planets, planet-struck, real eclipse 
Then suffer'd. Th' other way Satan went down 
The causeway to hell-gate ; on eitlier side 415 



8ookX.] PARADISE LOST. 221 

Disparted Chaos, over-built, exclaim'd ! 
And with rebounding surge the bars assail'd, 
That scorn'd his indigr^lion : through tlie gate, 
Wide open and unguarded, Satan pass'd, 
A-nd all about found desolate ; for those 420 

A-ppointed to sit there had left their charge, 
Flown tc the upper world ; the rest were all 
Far to th' inland retir'd, about the walls 
Of Pandemonium, city and proud seat 
Of Lucifer, so by allusion call'd, 425 

Of that bright star to Satan paragon'd. 
There kept their watch the legions, while the grand 
In council sat, solicitous what chance 
Might intercept their emperor sent; so he. 
Departing, gave command, and they observ'd. 430 
As when the Tartar from his Russian foe 
By Astracan over the snowy plains 
Retires ; or Bactrian Sophi froili the horn 
Of Turkish crescent, leaves all waste beyond 
The realm of Aladule, in his retreat 43j 

To Tauris or Casbeen : so these, the late 
Heaven banish'd host, left desert utmost IkjU 
Many a dark league, reduc'd in careful watch 
Round their metropolis, and now expecting 439 

Each hour their great adventurer from the searcli 
Of foreign worlds. He through the midst, unmark'd 
In show plebeian angel militant 
Of lowest order, pass'd ; and from the dow 
Of that Plutonian hall, invisible, 
Ascended his liigh throne, which under state 44o 
Of richest texture spread, at th' upper end 
Was plac'd in regal lustre. Down awhile 
He sat, and round about him saw unseen : 
At last, as from a cloud, his fulgent head 
And shape star-bright appear'd, or brighter clad, 450 
With v.-hat permissive glory since his fall 
Was left him, or false glitter. All amaz'd 
At that so sudden blaze, the Stygian throng 
Bent their aspect, and whom Uiey wish'd beheld, 
Their mighty chief return'd : loud was th' acclaim ; 
Foj-th rush'd in haste the great consulting peers, 45f 
Rais'd from their dark divan, and with like joy 
Congratulant approach'd him, who with hand 
Siknce, and with these words, attention won.- 
9* 



PARADISE LOST. [Book X 

" Thrones, dominations, princedoms, virtU'CS, 
powers ! 4G0 

For in possession such, not only of right, 
I call ye and declare ye now, return'd. 
Successful beyond hope, to lead ye forth 
Ti-iumphant out of this infernal pit 
Abominable, accurs'd, the house of wo, 465 

And dungeon of our tyrant : now possess, 
A.S lords, a spacious world, to our native heaven 
Little inferior, by my adventure hard 
With peril great achiev'd. Long were to tell 4G9 
What I have done, what sufFer'd, with what pain 
Voyag'd the unreal, vast, unbounded deep 
Of horrible confusion, over which. 
By Sin and Death, a broad way now is pav'd 
To expedite your glorious march ; but I 
Toil'd out my uncouth passage, forc'd to ride 475 
Th' untractable abyss, plung'd in the womb 
Of unoriginal Night and Chaos wild. 
That jealous of their secrets fiercely oppos'd 
My journey strange, with clamorous uproar 
Protesting Fate supreme ; thence how I found 480 
The new-created world, which fame in heaven 
Long had foreto.M, a fabric wonderful. 
Of absolute perfection ! therein man, 
Plac'd in a Paradise, by our exile 
JVIade happy. Him by fraud I have seduc'd 435 
From hie. Creator, and, the more to increase 
Your M wnder, with an apple ! he thereat 
Offended, worth your laughter, hath given up 
Both his beloved man, and all his world, 
To Sin and Death a prey, and so to us, 490 

Without our hazard, labour, or alarm. 
To range in, and to dwell, and over man 
To rule, as over all he should have ruVd. 
True is, me also he hath judg'd, or rather 
Me not, but the brute serpent, in whose shape 495 
Man I deceiv'd : that which to me belongs 
Is enmity, which he will put between 
Me and mankind ; I am to bruise his heel; 
His seed, when is not set, shall bruise my head. 
A Avorld who would not purchase with a briu"se, 500 
Or much more grievous pain ? Ye have th' account 
Of my perfoi-mance : what remains, ye gods, — 
But up and enter now into full bliss •" 



Book X.J PARADISE LOST. 223 

So having said, awhile he stood expecting 
Their universal shout and high applause 505 

To fill his car ; Avhen, contrary, he heai-s 
On all sides, from innumerable tongues, 
A. dismal universal hiss, the sound 
3f public scorn ; he wonder'd, but not long 
Had leisure, wond'ring at himself now more j 519 
Bis visage drawn he felt to sharp and spare, 
His arms clung to his ribs ; his legs intwining 
Each other, still supplanted, down he fell 
A monstrous serpent on his belly prone, 
Reluctant, but in vain ; a greater power 515 

(.Vow rul'd him, punish'd in the shape he sinn'd 
Accoi'ding to his doom. He would have spoke, 
But hiss for hiss return'd with forked tongue 
To forked tongue, for now were all transform'd 
Alike, to serpents all, as accessories 520 

To his bold riot ; dreadful was the din 
Of hissing through the hall, thick swarming now 
With complicated monsters head and tail, 
Scorpion, and asp, and amphisbajna dire. 
Cerastes horn'd, hydi'us, and elops drear, 525 

And dipsas, (not so thick swarm'd once the soil 
Bedropp'd with blood of Gorgon, or the isle 
Ophiusa ;) but still greatest, he the midst, 
Now dragon grown, larger than whom the sun 
Engender'd in the Pythian vale on slime, 530 

Huge Python, and his power no less he seem'd 
Above the rest still to retain. They all 
Him follow'd, issuing forth to th' open field, 
Where all yet left of that revolted rout, 
Heaven- fallen, in station stood or just array, 535 
Sublime with expectation when to see 
in triumph issuing forth their glorious chief. 
They saw, but other sight instead, a crowd 
Of ugly serpents : horror on them fell, 
And horrid sympathy ; for Avhat they saw 540 

They felt themselves now changing ; down their arms, 
Down fell both spear and shield, down they as fast, 
And the dire hiss renew'd, and the dire form, 
Catch'd by contagion, like in punishment, 
As in their crime. Thus was th' applause they meant 
Turn'd to exploding hiss, triumph to shame, 54G 
Cast on themselves from their own niouths. Tliere 
stood 



ZM PARADISE LOST. \Book X 

A grove hard by, sprung up with this their change, 

His will who reigns above, to aggravate 

Their penance, laclen with fair fruit, like that 550 

Which grew in Paradise, the bait of Eve 

Us'd by the tempter : on that prospect strange 

Their earnest eyes they fix'd, imagining 

For one forbidden tree a multitude 

Now risen, to work them furtlier wo or sliame ; 555 

Yet parch'd with scalding thirst and hunger fieice, 

Though to delude them sent, could not abstain, 

But on they roU'd in heaps, and up the trees 

Climbing, sat thicker than the snaky locks 

That curl'd Magnera : greedily they pluck'd 560 

The fruitage fair to sight, like that "which grew 

Near that bituminous lake where Sodom flam'd : 

This more delusive, not the touch, but taste 

Deceiv'd ; they fondly thinking to allay 

Their appetite with gust, instead of fruit 565 

Chew'd bitter ashes, which th' offended taste 

With spattering noise rejected : oft they assay'd, 

Hunger and thirst constraining, drugg'd as oft, 

With hatefullest disrelish writli'd their jaws 

With soot and cinders lill'd ; so oft they fell 570 

Into the same illusion, not as man 

Whom they ti-iumph'd once laps'd. Thus were they 

plagu'd 
And worn with famine, long and ceaseless hiss, 
Till their lost shape, permitted, they resum'd, 
Yearly enjoy'd, some say, to undergo 575 

This annual humbling certain numberd days 
To dash their pride, and joy for man seduc'd. 
However some tradition they dispers'd 
Among the heathen of their purchase got. 
And fabled how the serpent, whom they call'd 58C 
Ophion, with Eurynome, the wide 
Encroaching Eve perhaps, had first the rule 
Of high Olympus, thence by Saturn driven, 
And Ops, ere yet Dictsean Jove was born. 

Meanwhile in Paradise the hellish pair 585 

Too soon arriv'd. Sin there in power before. 
Once actual, now in body, and to dwell 
Habitual habitant ; behind her Death 
Close following pace for pace, not mounted yet 
On his pale horse : to whom Sin thus began j 690 



BookX.] PARADISE LOST. ^25 

" Second of Satan sprung, all conqu'ring Death! 
What think'.''t thou of our empu-e now, tho' earu'd 
With trivcl difficult, not better far 
Than still at hell's dark threshold to have sat watch, 
Uunani'd, undreaded, and thyself half-starv'd?" 595 

Whom thus the Sin-born monster answer'd soon ; 
" To me, who with eternal famine pine, 
Alike is hell, or Paradise, or heaven. 
There best where most with ravine I may meet ; 
Which here tho' plenteous all too little seems 600 
To stuff this maw, this vast unhide-bound corpse.'* 

To whom th' incestuous mother thus replied : 
" Thou therefore on these herbs, and fruits, and 

flowers. 
Feed fii'st, on each beast next, and fish, and fowl, 
No homely morsels ; and whatever thing 605 

The scythe of Time mows down, devour unspar'd; 
Till I in man residing through the race. 
His thoughts, his looks, words, actions, all infect, 
And season him thy last and sweetest prey." 

This said, they both betook them several ways, 
Both to destroy, or unimmortal make 611 

All kinds, and for destruction to mature 
Sooner or later ; which th' Almighty seemg, 
From his transcendent seat the saints among. 
To those bright orders utter'd thus his voice : 615 

" See with what heat these dogs of hell advance 
ToAvaste and havoc yonder world, which I 
So fair and good created, and had still 
Kept in that state, had not the folly of man 
Let in these wasteful furies, who impute 620 

Folly to me, so doth the prince of hell 
And his adherents, that with so much ease 
I suffer them to enter and possess 
A place so heavenly, and conniving seem 
To gratify my scornful enemies, 625 

That laugh, as if transported with some fit 
Of passion, I to them had quitted all. 
At random yielded up to their misrule 
And knew not that I call'd and drew them thither, 
My hell-hounds, to lick up the draff and filtii 630 



226 PARADISE LOST. [Book X 

"Which man's polluting sin with taint hath shed 
On v/hat was pure, till cramm'd and gorg'd, nigh 

burst 
Witii suck'd and glutted offal, at one sling '" 

Of thy victorious arm, well-pleasing Son, 6B4 

Both sin and death, and yawning grave, at last, 
Through Chaos hurPd obstruct the mouth of hell 
For ever, and seal up his I'avenous jaws. 
Then heaven and earth renew'd shall be made pure 
To sanctity that shall receive no stain : 639 

Till then the curse pronounc'd on both precedes." 

He ended, and the heavenly audience loud 
Sung hallelujah, as the sound" of seas. 
Through multitude that sung: '* Just are thy ways, 
Righteous are thy decrees on all thy works ; . 
Who can extenuate thee ?" Next to the Son, 645 
"Destin'd restorer of mankind, by Avhom 
New heaven and earth shall to the ages rise. 
Or down from heaven descend." Such was their song, 
While the Creatoi-, calling forth by name 
His mighty angels, gave them several charge, 650 
As sorted best with present "things. The sun 
Had first his precept so to move, so shine. 
As might affect the earth with cold and heat 
Scarce tolerable, and from the north to call 
Decrepit winter, from the south to bring 655 

Solstitial summer's heat. To the blank moon 
Her office they prescrib'd, to th' other five 
Their planetary motions and aspects 
In sextile, square, and trine, and. opposite 
Of noxious efficacy, and when to join 660 

In synod unbenign ; and taught the fix'd 
Their influence malignant when to shower, 
Which of them rising with the sun, or falling, 
Should prove tempestvxous : to the winds they set 
Their corners, when with bluster to confound 665 
Sea, air, and shore, the thunder when to roll 
With terror through the dark aerial hall. 
Some say he bid his angels turn askance 
The poles of earth twice ten degrees and more 
From the sun's axle ; tliey with labour push'd 670 
Oblique the centric globe : some say the sun 
Was bid turn reins from th' equinoctial road 
Like distant breadth to Taurus with the seven 



BookX.] PARADISE LOST. 227 

Atlantic Sisters, and the Spartan Twins 

(Jp to the Tropic Crab ; thence down amain 675 

By Leo and tlie Virgin and the Scales, 

As deep as Capricorn, to bring in change 

• .'f seasons to each clime ; else iiad the spring 

Perpetual smil'd on earth with verdant fioAvers, 

Equal in days and nights, except to those 680 

D.jyond the polar circles ; to them day 

Had unbenighted shone, with thcjow sun, 

To recompense his distance, in their sight 

Had rounded still th' horizon, and not known 

Or east or west, which had forbid the snow 685 

From cold Estotiland, and south as far 

Beneath Magellan. At that tasted fruit 

The sun, as from Thyestean banquet, turn'd 

His course intended ; else how had the world 

Inhabited, though sinless, more than now, 6SC 

Avoided pinching cold and scorching heat ? 

These changes in the heavens, though slow, produc'd 

Like change on sea and land, sideral blast, 

Vapour, and mist, and exhalation hot. 

Corrupt and pestilent. Now from tlie north 695 

Of Norumbega, and the Samoed shoi;c, 

Bursting their brazen dungeon, arm'd with ice, 

And snow and hail, and stormy gust and Haw 

Boreas and Crecias, and Argestes loud. 

And Thrasias, rend the woods and seas upturn ; 700 

With adverse blast upturn them from the south 

Notus and Afer, black with thund'rous clouds 

From Serraliona ; thwart of these as fierce 

Fortli rush the Levant and the Ponent winds, 

Earns and Zephyr, with their lateral noise, 705 

Sirocco and Libecchio. Thus began 

Outrage from lifeless things ; but Discord first, 

Daughter of Sin, among th' in-ational, 

Death introduc'd through fierce antipathy : 709 

Beast now with beast 'gan war, and fowl v/ith fowl. 

And fish with fish ; to graze the herb all leaving, 

Devour'd each other : nor stood much in awe 

Of man, but fled him, or with count'nance grim 

Glar'd on him passing. These were from without. 

The growing miseries which Adam saw 715 

Already in part, though hid in gloomiest sliade, 

To sorrow abandon'd, but worse felt within. 



PARADISE LOST. [Book X. 

And in a troubled sea of passion toss'd, 
Tiius to disburden sought with sad complaint : 

" O miserable of happy ! is this the end 72(» 

Of this new glorious world, and me so late 
The glory of that glory, who now become 
Accurs'd of blessed, hide me from the face 
Of God, whom to behold was then my heiglit 
Of happiness! yet well, if here would end 725 

The misery ; I deserv'd it, and would bear 
My own deservings ; but this will not serve 
All that I eat or drink, or shall beget- 
Is propagated curse. O voice once heard 
Delightfully, * Increase and multiply,' 730 

Now death to hear ! for what can I increase 
Or multiply, but curses on my head ? 
Who of all ages to succeed, but feeling 
The evil on him brought by me, will curse 
My head ? Ill fare our ancestor impure, 736 

For this we may thank Adam ; but his thanks 
Shall be the execx-ation ; so besides 
Mine own that bide upon me, all from me 
Shall with a fierce reflux on me redound, 
On me, as on their natural centre, light 740 

Heavy, though in their place. O fleeting joys 
Of Paradise, dear bought with lasting woes! 
Did I request thee, Maker, from my clay 
To mould me man ? Did I solicit thee 
From darkness to promote me, or here place V45 

In this delicious garden ? As my will 
Concurr'd not to my being, it were but right 
And equal to reduce me to my dust, ^ 
Desirous to resign and render back 
All I receiv'd, unable to perform 750 

Thy terms too hard, by which I was to hold 
The good I sought not. To the loss of that, 
Sufiicient penalty, why hast thou added 
The sense of endless woes ? Inexplicable 
Thy justice seems ; yet to say truth, too late, 75h 
I thus contest ; then should have been refus'd 
Those terms whatever, when they were propos'd : 
Thou didst accept them ; wilt thou enjoy the good,- • 
Then cavil the conditions ? And thou God 
Made thee without thy leave, what if thy son 760 
Prove disobedient, and reprov'd, retort, 



BookX.] PARADISE LOST. 229. 

Wlierefore didst thou beget me ? I sought it not : 
Wouldst thou admit for his contempt of thee 
That j^roud excuse ? Yet him not thy election, 
But natural necessity begot, TG') 

God made thee of choice his own, and of his cwn 
To serve him ; thy reward was of his grace, 
Thy punishment then justly is at his will. 
Be it so, for I submit ; his doom is fair, 
That dust I am, and shall to dust return : 77C 

O welcome hour whenever ! Why delays 
His hand to execute what his decree 
Fix'd on this day ? Why do I overlive ? 
Why am I mock'd with death, and lengthen'd out 
To deathless pain ? How gladly would I meet 775 
Mortality my sentence, and be earth 
Insensible ! How glad would lay me down 
As in my mother's lap ! There I should rest 
And sleep secure ; his dreadful voice no more 
Would thunder in my ears, no fear of v/orse 780 

To me and to my oflspring would torment me 
With cruel expectation. Yet one doubt 
Pursues me still, lest all I cannot die, 
Lest that pure breath of life, the spirit of man 
Which God inspir'd, cannot together perish 785 

With this corporeal clod ; then in the grave, 
Or in some other dismal place, who knows 
But I shall die a living death ? O thought 
Horrid, if true ! Yet why ? It was but breath 
Of life that sinn'd : what dies but what had life 790 
And sin ? The body properly hath neither. 
All of me then shall die : let this appease 
The doubt, since human reach no further knows 
For though the Lord of all be infinite. 
Is his wrath also ? Be it, man is not so, 795 

Biit mortal doom'd. How can he exercise 
Wrath without end on man whom death must end ? 
Can he make deathless death ? that were to make 
Strange contradiction, which to God himself 
Impossible is held, as argument 800 

Of weakness, not of power. Will he draw out • 
For anger's sake, finite to infinite 
In punish'd man, to satisfy his rigour 
Satisfied never ? That were to extend 
His sentence beyond dust and Nature's law, 805 
By which all causes else according still 
20 



230 PARADISE LOST. [Book X. 

To the reception of tlieir matter act, 
Not to th' extent of their own sphere. But say- 
That death be not one stroke, as I suppos'd, 
Bereaving sense, but endless misery 810 

From this day onward, which I feel begun 
Both in me, and without me, and so last 
To perpetuity ; ay me, that fear 
Comes thund'ring back with dreadful revolution 
On my defenceless head ; both Deatii and I 815 

Am found eternal, and incorporate both ; 
Nor I on my part single, in me all 
Posterity stands curs'd : fair patrimony 
That I must leave ye, sons ; O were I able 
To waste it all myself, and leave ye none I 820 

So disinherited how would ye bless 
Me, now your curse ! Ah ! why should all mankind 
For one man's fault thus guiltless be condemn'd, 
If guiltless? But from me what can proceed, 
But all corrupt, both mind and will deprav'd, S26 
Not to do only, but to will the same 
With me ? Hoav can they then acquitted stand 
[n sight of God ? Him after all disputes 
Forc'd I absolve ; all my evasions vain. 
And i-easonings, though through mazes, lead me still 
But to my own conviction : first and last 83 i 

On me, me only, as the source and spring 
Of all corruption, all the blame lights due ; 
■ So might the wrath. Fond wish ! couldst thou sup- 
port 
That burden, heavier than the earth to bear, 83^ 
Than all the world much heavier, though divided 
With that bad woman ? Thus what thou desir'st, 
And what thou fear'st, alike destroys all hope 
Of refuge, and concludes thee miserable 
Beyond all past example and future, "840 

To Satan only like both crime and doom. 

conscience, into what abyss of fears 

And horrors hast thou driven me; out of which 

1 find no way, from deep to deeper plung'd '" 

Thus Adam to himself lamented loud 846 

Through the still night, not now, as ere man fell, 
Wholesome and cool, and mild, but with black air 
Accompanied, Avith damps and dreadful gloom, 
Which to his evil conscience represented 



dook X.] PARADISE LOST. 23! 

All things with double terror : on the ground S50 

Outstretch'd he lay, on the cold ground, and oft 

Curs'd his creation, death as oft accus'd 

Of tardy execution, since denounc'd 

The day of his offence. " Why comes not death," 

Said he, " with one thrice-acceptable stroke 855 

To end me ? Shall truth f lil to keep her word, 

Justice divine not hasten to be just? 

But death comes not at all, justice divine 

Mends not her slowest pace for prayers ot cries. 

O woods, O fountains, hillocks, dales, and bowers 

With other echo late 1 taught your shades 861 

To answer, and resound far other song." 

Whom thus alHicted when gad Eve beheld, 

Desolate where she sat, approaching nigh. 

Soft words to his fierce passion she assay'd ; 865 

But her with stern regard he tlius repell'd : 

" Out of my sight, thou serpent ; tliat name best 
Befits thee witll^ him leagu'd, thyself as false 
And hateful ; nothing wants, but that thy shape, 
Like his, and colour serpentine, may show 870 

Thy inward fraud, to warn all creatures from thee 
Henceforth ; lest that too heavenly form pretended 
To hellish falsehood, snare them. But for thee 
£ had persisted happy, had not thy pride 
And wand'ring vanity, when least, was safe, 875 

Rejected my forewarning, and disdain'd 
Not to be trusted, longing to be seenf 
Though by the Devil himself, him overweening 
To over-reach, but with the serpent meeting 
Fool'd and beguil'd, by him thou, I by thee, 880 

To trust thee from my si^e, imagined wise, 
Constant, mature, proof against all assaults, 
And understood not all was but a show 
Rather than solid virtue, all but a rib 
Crook'd by nature, bent, as now appears, 885 

More to the part sinister, from me drawn, 
Well if thrown out as supernumerary ' 
To my just number found. O why did God, 
Creator wise, that peopled highest heaven 
With spirits masculine, create at last 890 

This novelty on earth, this fair defect 
Of nature, and not fill the world at once 
With men as angels without feminine, 



232 PARADISE LOST. [Book X 

Or find some other way to generate 

Mankind? This mischief had not then befallen, 89.S 

And more that shall befall, innumerable 

Disturbances on earth through female snares, 

,A.nd strait conjunction with this sex: for either 

He never shall find out fit mate, but such 

As some misfortune brings him, or mistake ; 900 

Or Avhom he wishes most shall seldom gain 

Through her perverseness, but shall see her gain'd 

By a far worse, or if she love, withheld 

By parents ; or his happiest choice too late 

Shall meet, already link'd and wedlock-bound 905 

To a fell adversary, his hate or shame : 

Which infinite calamity shall cause 

To human life, and household peace confound." 

He added not, and from her turn'd : but Eve, 
Not so repuls'd, with tears that ceas'd not flowing, 
And tresses all disorder'd, at his feet 9 1 1 

Fell humble, and embracing them, besought 
His peace, and thus proceeded in her plaint : 

"Forsake me not thus, Adam ; witness heaven 
What love sincere, and reverence in my heart 916 
I bear thee, and unweeting have offended, 
Unhappily deceiv'd : thy suppliant 
[ beg, and clasp thy knees ; bereave me not, 
Whereon I live, thy gentle looks, thy aid, 
Thy counsel in t]||[s uttermost distress, 920 

My only strength and stay : forlorn of thee. 
Whither shall I betake me, where subsist ? 
While yet we live, scarce one short hour perhaps, 
Between us tv/o let there beifoeace, both joining, 
As join'd in injuries, one enmity 925 

Against a foe by doom express assign'd us, 
That cruel serpent. On me exercise not 
Thy hatred for this misery befallen. 
On me already lost, me than thyself 
More miserable ; both have sinn'd, but thou, 930 
Against God only, I against God and thee. 
And to the place of judgment will return. 
There with my cries importune heaven, that all 
The sentence from thy liead remov'd may light 
On me, sole cause to hee of all this wo 935 

Me, m3 only, just object of his ii-e." 



BookX.] PARADISE LOST. 233 

She ended weeping, and her lowly plight, 
fmnioveabie till peace obtain'd from fault 
Acknowledg'd and deplor'd, in Adam wrougnt 
Commiseration ; soon his heart relented 940 

Tow'rds her, his life so late and sole delight, 
Now at his feet submissive in distress, 
Creature so fair his reconcilement seeking, 
His counsel whom she had displeas'd, his aid : 
As one disarm'd, his anger all he lost, 945 

And thus with peaceful words uprais'd her soon : 

" Unwary, and too desirous, as before. 
So now of what thou know'st not, \v ho desii-'st 
The punishment all on thyself ; alas! 
Bear thine own first, ill able to sustain 950 

His full wrath, whose thou feel'st as yet least part, 
And my displeasure bear'st so ill. If prayers 
Could alter high decrees, I to that place 
Would speed before thee, and be louder heard, 
That on my head all might be visited, 955 

Thy frailty and infirmer sex forgiven, 
To me committed and by me expos'd. 
But rise, let us no more contend, nor blame 
Each other, blarn'd enough elsewhere, but strive, 
In offices of love, how we may lighten 960 

Each other's burden, in our share of wo ; 
Since this day's death denonnc'd, if ought I see 
Will prove no sudden, but a slow-pac'd evil, 
A long day's dying to augment om- pain, 
And .to our seed (O hapless seed !) deriv'd." 965 

To whom thus Eve, recovering heart, replied : 
" Adam, by sad experiment I know 
How little weight my words with thee can find. 
Found so erroneous, thence by just event 
Found so unfortunate ; nevertheless, 970 

Restor'd by thee, vile as I am, to place 
Of new acceptance, hopeful to regain 
Thy love, the sole contentment of my heart, 
Living or dying, from thee I will not hide 
What thoughts in my unqaiet breast are risen, 975 
Tending to some relief of our extremes, 
Or end, though*sharp and sad, yet tolerable, 
As in our evils, and of easier choice, 
[fcare of our descent perl^ us most, 
20* 



234 PARADISE LOST. [Book X 

Which must be born to certain wo, devour'd 980 
By death at last ; and miserable it is 
To be to others cause of misery. 
Our own begotten, and of our loins to bring 
Into this cui'sed world a woful race, 
That after wretched life must be at last 985 

Food for so foul a monster ; in thy power 
[t lies, yet ere conception to prevent 
The race unbless'd, to being yet unbegot. 
Childless thou art, childless remain : so Death 
Shall be deceiv'd his glut, and with us two 990 

Be forc'd to satisfy his ravenous maw. 
But if thou judge it hard and difficult, 
Conversing, looking, loving, to abstain 
From love's due rites, nuptial embraces sweet, 
And with desire to languish without hope, 995 

Before the present object languishing 
With like desire, which would be misery 
And torment less than none of what we dread ; 
Then, both ourselves and seed at once to free 
From what we fear for both, let us make short, 1000 
.Let us seek Death, or he not found, supply 
With our own hands his office on ourselves. 
Why stand we longer shivering under fears, 
That show no end but death, and have the power, 
Of many ways to die the shortest choosing, 1005 
Destruction with destruction to destroy ?" 

She ended here, or vehement despair 
Broke off the rest ; so much of death her thoughts 
Had entertain'd, as dy'd her cheeks with pale. 
But Adam, with such counsel nothing sway'd, lOIO 
To better hopes his more attentive mind 
Lab'ring had rais'd, and thus to Eve replied : 

" Eve, thy contempt of life and pleasure seems 
To argue in thee something more vSublime 
And excellent than what thy mind contemns : I0I5 
But self- destruction therefore sought, refutes 
That excellence thought in thee, and implies, 
iS'ot thy contempt, but anguish and regret 
For loss of life and pleasure overlov'd. 
Or if thou covet death, as utmost end 1020 

Of misery, so thinking to evade 
The penalty pronounc'd, doubt not but God 



Book X.] PARADISE LOST. 235 

Hath wiselier arm'd his vengeful ire than so 
To be forestall'd : much more I fear lest death 
So^natch'd will not exempt us from the pain 1G25 
We are by doom to pay ; rather such acts 
Of contumacy will provoke the Highest 
To make death in us live. Then let us seek 
Some safer resolution, -vvhich methinks 
I have in view, calling to mind with heed 1030 

Part of our sentence,- that thy seed shall bruise 
The serpent's head ; piteous amends, unless 
Be meant, whom 1 conjecture, our grand foe 
Satan, who in the serpent hath contriv'd 
Against us this deceit : to crush his head 1035 

Would be revenge indeed ; which will be lost 
By death brought on ourselves, or childless days 
Resolv'd as thou proposes! ; so our foe 
Shall scape his punishment ordain'd, and we 
Instead shall double ourj: upon our heads. ] 040 

No more be mention'd then of violence 
Against ourselves, and wilful barrenness, 
That cuts us off from hope, and savours only 
Rancour and pride, impatience and despite, 
Reluctance against God and his just yoke 1045 

Laid on our necks. Remember with what mild 
And gi-acious temper he both heard and judg'd, 
"Without wrath or reviling ; we expected 
Fmmediate dissolution, which we thought 
Was meant by death that day, when lo, to thee 
Pains only in child-bearing were foretold, 1051 

And bringing forth, soon recompens'd with joy, 
Fruit of Thy womb : on me the curse aslope 
Glanc'd on the ground ; with labour I must earn 
My bread ; what harm ? Idleness had been worse , 
My labour will sustain me ; and lest cold 1056 

Or heat should injure us, his timely care 
Hath unbesought provided, and his hands 
Cloth'd us unworthy, pitying while he judg'd ; 
How much more, if we pray him, will his ear 1060 
Be open, and his heart to pity incline, 
And teach us further by what means to shun 
Th' inclement seasons, rain, ice, hail, and snow ? 
Which now the sky with various fa..e begins 
To show us in this mountain, while the winds 1065 
Blow moist and keen, shattering the graceful locks 
Of these fair spreading trees; which bids us seek 



236 PARADISE LOST. [Book X 

Some better shroucl, some better warmth to cherish 
Our limbs benumb'd, ere this diurnal star 
Leave cold the night, how we, his gather'd beams* 
Reflected, may with matter sere foment, 1071 

Or by collision of two bodies grind 
The air attrite to fire, as late the clouds 
Justling or pvish'd with winds rude in their shock 
Tine the slant lightning, whose thwart flame, driven 
down, 1075 

Kindles the gummy bark of fir or pine, 
And sends a comfortable heat from far, 
Which might supply the sun : such fire to use, 
And what may else be remedy or cure 
To evils which our own misdeeds have wrought, 108p 
He will instruct us praying, and of gi-ace 
Beseeching him, so as we need not fear 
To pass commodiously this life, sustain'd 
By him with many comforts, till we end 
In dust, our final rest and native home. 1085 

What better can we do, than to the place 
Repairing where he judg'd us prostrate fall 
Before him reverent, and there confess 
Humbly our faults, and pardon beg, with tears 
Watering the ground, and with our sighs the air 
Frequenting, sent from hearts contrite, in sign 1091 
Of sorrow unfeign'd, and humiliation meek? 
Undoubtedly he Avill relent and turn 
From his displeasure; in whose look serene, 
When angry most he seem'd and most severe, 1095 
What else but favour, grace, and mercy shone ?" 

So spake our father penitent, nor Eve 
Felt less remorse : they forthwith to the place 
Repairing where he judg'd them, prostrate fell 
Before him reverent, and both confess'd 110(! 

Humbly their faults, and pardon begg'd with tears 
Watering the ground, and with their sighs the pj; 
Frequenting, sent from hearts contrite, in sign 
Of sorrow unfeign'd, and humiUation meek. 



END OF POOK TENTH. 



fAUADISE LOST. 



BOOK XL. 



THE ARGUMKNT. 

The Sen of God presents to his Fathtr the prayers of 
our first parents noio repenting, and intercedes for 
them. God accepts them, hut declares that they must 
no longer abide in Paradise: sends Michael xvith a 
band of Cherubim to dispossess them; but first to 
reveal to Adam future things. Michael's coming 
doivn. Mam shoios to Eve certain ominous signs; 
he discertis Michael's approach, goes out to meet him: 
the Angel denounces their departure. Eve's lamen- 
tation. Adam pleads, but submits. The Angel leads 
him up to a high hill, sets before him in vision what 
shall happen till the flood. 



Thus they in lowliest plight repentant stood 

Praying, for from the mercy-seat above 

Prevenient grace descending liad remov'd 

The stony from their heavts, and made new i!esli 

Regenerate grow instead, that sighs now breath'd 5 

Unutterable," which the spirit of prayer 

Inspir'd, and wing'd for heaven with speedier flight 

Than loudest oratory : yet their port 

Not of mean suitors, nor important less 

Seem'd their petition, tlian when th' ancient pair 10 

[n fables old, less ancient yet than thest, 

Deucalion and chaste Pyrrha, to restore 

The race of mankind drown'd, before the shrine 

Of Themis stood devout. To heaven tjieir prayers 

Flew up, nor miss'd the way by envious Avinds 15 

Blown vagabond or frustrate : in they pass'd 



iiSS PARADISE LOST. [Book XL 

Dimensionless through heavehly doors ; then clad 

With incense, where the golden altar fum'd, 

By their gi-eat intercessor, came in sight 

Before the Father's throne : them the glad Son 20 



" See, Father, what first fruits on earth are sprung 
From thy implanted grace in man, these sighs 
And prayers, which in this golden censer, mix'd 
With incense, I, thy priest, before thee bring, 25 
Fruits of more pleasing savour from thy seed 
Sown with contrition in his heart, than those 
Which, his own hand manuring, all the trees 
Of Paradise could have produc'd, ere fallen 
From innocence. Now, therefore, bend thine ear 30 
To supplication, hear his sighs though mute; 
Unskilful with what Avords to pray, let me 
Interpret for him, me his advocate 
And propitiation ; all his works on me, 
Good or not good, ingraft, my merit those 35 

Shall perfect, and for these my death shall pay. 
Accept me, and in me from these receive 
The smell of peace tow'rd mankind ; let him live 
Before thee reconciled, at least his days 
Number'd, though sad, till death, his doom, (wliich 
To mitigate thus plead, not to reverse) 40 

To better life shall yield him, where with me 
All my redeem'd may dwell in joy and bliss. 
Made one with me, as I with thee am one." 

To whom the Father, without cloud, serene :' 45 
"All thy request for man, accepted Son, 
Obtain ; all thy request was my decree • 
But longer in that Paradise to dwell, 
The law I gave to nature him forbids ; 
Those pure immortal elements that know 50 

No gross, no unharmonious mixture foul, 
Eject him tainted now and purge him off 
As a distemper, gross to air as gross. 
And mortal food, as may dispose him bes* 
For dissolution wrought by sin, that first 55 

Distemper'd all things, and of incorrupt 
Corrupted. I at first, with two fair gifts, 
Created him endov/'d, with happiness 
And immortality : that fondly lost, 



Book XL] PARADISE LOb 239 

This other serv'd but to eternize wo ; 60 

Till I provided deatlr; so death becomes 

His final remedy, and after life 

Tried in sharp tribulation, and refin'd 

By faith and faithful works, to second life, 

Wak'd in the renovation of the just, 65 

Resigns him up with heaven and earth renew'd. 

But let us call to synod all the bless'd 

Thrpugh lieaven's wide bounds ; from them I wiii 

not hide 
My judgments, how with mankind I proceed, 
As how with peccant angels late they saw, 70 

And in their state, though firm, stood more confirni'd." 

He ended, and the Son gave signal high 
To the bright minister that watch'd ; he blew 
His trumpet, herrd in Oreb since perhaps 
When God descended, and perhaps once more 75 
To sound at general doom. Th' angelic blast 
Fili'd all the regions ; from their blissful bowers 
Of amaranthine shade, fountain or spring, 
By the waters of life, where'er they sat 
In fellowships of joy, the sons of hght 80 

Hasted, resorting to the summons high, 
And took their seats ; till from his throne supreme 
Th' Almighty thus pronounc'd his sov'reign will: 

" sons, like one of us man is become 
To know both good and evil, since his taste 85 

Of that defended fruit ; but let him boast 
His knowledge of good lost, and evil got; 
Happier had it suffic'd him to have known 
Good by itself, and evil not at all. 
He sorrows now, repents, and prays contrite, 90 

My motions in him ; longer than they move. 
His heart I know, how variable and vain 
Self-left. Lest therefore his now bolder hand 
lleach also of the ti-ee of life, and eat. 
And live for ever, dream at least to live 96 

For ever, to remove him I decree. 
And send him from the garden forth to till 
The ground whence he was taken, fitter soil. 

" Michael, this my behest have thou in charge ; 
Take to thee from among the cherubim " 100 



240 PARADISE LOST. [Book XI 

Thy choice of flaming warrior^ lest the fiend, 

Or in behalf of man, or to invade 

Vacant possession, some new trouble raise : 

Haste thee, and from the Paradise of God, 

Without remorse drive out the sinful pair, 105 

Fi-om hallow'd ground th' unholy, and denounce 

"JOo them and to their progeny from thence 

Perpetual banishment. Yet, lest they faint 

At the sad sentence rigorously urg'd, 

For I behold them sofien'd and with tears 1 10 

Bewailing their excess, all terror hide. 

If patiently thy bidding they obey. 

Dismiss them not disconsolate ; reveal 

To Adam what shall come in future days, 

As I shall thee enlighten ; intermix 115 

My covenant in the woman's seed renew'd ; 

So send them forth, tho' sorrowing, yet in peace : 

And on the east side of the garden place, 

Where entrance up from Eden easiest climbs, 

Ciierubic watch, and of a sword the flame 12U 

Wide waving, all approach far ofl' to fright, 

And guard all passage to the tree of life : 

Lest Paradise a receptacle prove 

To spirits foul, and all my trees their prey, 124 

With whose stolen fruit man once more to delude." 

He ceas'd ; and th' archangelic power prepar'd 
For swift descent, with him the cohort bright 
Of watchful cherubim ; four faces each 
Had, hke a double Janus, all their shape 
Spangled with eyes, more numerous than those 130 
Of Argus, and more wakeful than to drowse, 
Charm'd with Arcadian pipe, the past'ral reed 
Of Hermes, or his opiate rod. MeauAvhile, 
To re-salute the world with sacred light, 
Leucothea wak'd and with fresh dews embalm'd 135 
The earth, when Adam and first matron Eve 
Had ended now their orisons, and found 
Strength added from above, new hope to spring 
Out of despair, joy, but with fear yet link'd ; 
Which thus to Eve his welcome words renev/'d : 140 

" Eve, easily may faith admit that all 
The good which we enjoy from heaven descends ; 
Bat 'hat from us ought should ascend to heaven 



Book XL] PARADISE LOST. 241 

So prevalent as to concern the mind 

Of God hi^li-blcss'd, or to incline his will 145 

Hard to belief may seem ; yet this Avill prayer, 

Or one short sigh of human breath, upborne 

Even to the seat of God. For since I sought 

By prayer th' offended Deity t' appease, 

Kneel'd, and before him humbled all my heai*t, 150 

Mcthought I saw him placable and mild. 

Bending his ear ; persuasion in me grew 

That I was heard with favour ; peace returned 

Home to my breast and to my memory 

His promise, that thy ' seed shall bruise our foe ;' 155 

Which then not minded in dismay, yet now 

Assures me that the bitterness of death 

Is past, and we shall live. Whence hail to thee, 

Eve rightly call'd, mother of all mankind. 

Mother of all things living, since by thee, 160 

Man is to live, and all things live for man." 

To whom thus Eve with sad demeanour meek. 
"Ill worthy I such title should belong 
To me transgressor, who, for thee ordain'd 
A help, became thy snare ; to me reproach 165 

Rather belongs, distrust and all dispraise : 
But infinite in pardon was my Judge, 
That I, who first brought death on all, am grac'd 
The source of life; next favourable thou, 
Who highly thus to entitle me vouchsafst, 170 

Far other name deserving. But the field 
To labour calls us now, with sweat imposM 
Though after sleepless night ; for see the mom, 
All unconcern'd with our unrest, begins 
Her rosy progress smiling ; let us forth, 175 

I never from thy side henceforth to stray. 
Where'er our day's work lies, though now enjoin'd 
•Laborious, till day droop ; while here we dwell, 
What can be toilsome in these pleasant walks? 
Here let us live, though in fallen state, content." 180 

So spake, so wish'd much humbled Eve, but fate 
;3ubscrib'd not ; Nature first gave signs, impress'd 
On bird, beast, air, air suddenly eclips'd 
After short blush of morn ; nigh in her sight 
The bird of Jove, stoop'd from his airy tour, 185 

Two birds of gayest plume before him drove • 
21 



kJ42 paradise lost. [Book XI 

Down from a hill the beast that reigns in woods, 
First hunter then, pursu'd a gentle brace, 
Goodliest of all the forest, hart and hind ; 
Direct to th' eastern gate was bent their flight. I9G 
A.dam observ'd, and Avith his ej^e the chase 
Pursuing, not uninov'd^ to Eve thus spake : 

" O Eve ! some further change awaits us nigl), 
Wliicli heaven by these mute signs in nature shows. 
Forerunners of his purpose, or to warn 1S»' 

Us, haply too secure, of our discharge 
From penalty, because from death releas'd 
Some days ; how long, and what till then our life, 
Who knows? Or more than tliis, that we are dust, 
And thkher must return and be no more ? 200 

Why else this double object in our sight 
Df flight pursu'd in th' air, and o'er the ground, 
One way the self-same hour? Why in the east 
Darkness ere day's mid-course, and morning light 
More orient in yon western cloud, that draws 206 
O'er the blue firmament a radiant white. 
And slow descends, with somethingheavenly ^.-auglit?"* 

He err'd not, for by this the heavenly bands 
Down from a sky of jasper lighted now 
In Paradise, and on a hill made halt ; 210 

A glorious apparition, had not doubt 
And carnal fear, that day dimm'd Adam's eye. 
iNTot that more glorious, when the angels met 
Jacob in Mahanaim, where he saw 
The field pavilion'd with his guardians bright ; 216 
^ or that Avhich on the flaming mount appear'd 
In Dothan, cover'd with a camp of fire, 
Against the Syrian king, wlio to surprise 
One man, assassin like, that levied war, 
War unproclaim'd. The princely hierarch 220 

In their bright stand there left his powers to seize 
Possession of the garden ; he alone, 
To find where Adam shelter'd, took his way, 
Not unperceiv'd of Adam, who to Eve, 
While the great visitant approach'd, thus spake: ^35 

" Eve ! now expect iD;reat tidings, which perhaps 
Of us will soon determme, or impose 
New laws to be observ'd ; for I descry 



Book XL] PARADISE LOST. 243 

From yonder blazing cloud that veils the hill. 

One of" the heavenly host, and by his gait 23C 

None of the meanest, some great potentate, 

Orofthe tin-ones above; such majesty 

Invests him coming ; yet not terrible, 

That I should fear, nor sociably mild, 

A3 Raphael, that I should much confide, 235 

Bat solemn and sublime, whom not to offend. 

With reverence I must meet, and thou retire." 

He ended ; and the archangel soon drew nigh, 
Not in his shape celestial, but as man 
Clad to meet man ; over his lucid arms 24t> 

A military vest of purple flow'd, 
Livelier than Meliboean, or the grain 
Of Sarra, worn by kings and heroes old 
In time of truce; Iris had dipp'd the woof; 
His starry helm unbuckled show'd him pr'me 245 
In manhood, where youth ended ; by his side, 
As in a glist'ring zodiac, hung the sword, ■ 
Satan's dire dread, and in his hand the speai*. 
Adam bow'd low ; he kingly, from his state 
Inclin'd not, but his coming thus deciar'd : 250 

" Adam ! heaven's high behest no preface needs : 
Sufficient that thy prayers are heard, and death. 
Then due by sentence when thou didst transgress, 
Defeated of his seizure, many days 
Given thee of grace, wherein thou may'st repent, 256 
And one bad act with many deeds well done 
May'st cover : Avell may then thy Lord, appeas'd, 
Redeem thee quite from death's rapacious claim ; 
But longer in this Paradise to dwell 
Permits not ; to remove thee I am come, 200 

And send thee from the garden forth, to till 
The ground whence thou wast taken, fitter soil. 

He added not, for Adam at the news 
Heart-struck with chilling gripe of sorrow stood. 
That all his senses bound ; Eve, who unseen, 2So 
Yet all had heard, with audible lament 
Disco ver'd soon the place of her retire. 

" O unexpected stroke, worse than of death » 
Musi I thus leave thee. Paradise ? thus leave 



244 PARADISE LOST. [Book XJ 

Thee, native soil ! these happy walks and shades, 270 

Fit haunt of gods ? wliere I had hope to spend, 

Q,uiet, though sad, the respite of that day 

That must be mortal to us both. O flowers, 

That never will in other climate grow, 

My early visitation, and my last 275 

A-t even, which I bred up with tender hand 

From the first op'ning bud, and gave ye names, 

Who now shall rear ye to the sun, or rank 

Y"our tribes, and water from th' ambrosial fount 

Thee lastly, nuptial bower, by me adorn'd 280 

With what to sight or smell was sweet, from thee 

How shall I part, and whither wander down 

Into a lower world, to this obscure 

And wild ? How shall we breathe in other air 

Less pure, accustom'd to immortal fruits ?" 285 

Whom thus the angel interrupted mild : 
" Lament not, Eve, but patiently resign 
What justly thou hast lost ; nor set thy heart, 
Thus over-fond, on that which is not thine : 
Thy going is not lonely ; with thee goes 290 

Thy husband ; him to follow thou art bound ; 
Where he abides, think there thy native soil." 

Adam by this from the cold sudden damp 
Recov'ring, and his scatter'd spirits return'd. 
To Michael thus his humble words address'd : 295 

" Celestial ! whether among the thrones, or nam'u 
Of them the highest, for such of shape may seem 
Prince above princes, gently hast thou told 
Thy message, which might else in telling wound, 
And in performing end us ; what besides 300 

Of sorrow, and dejection, and despair. 
Our frailty can sustain, thy tidings bring, 
Departure from this happy place, our sweet 
Recess, and only consolation left 
Familiar to our eyes, all places else 305 

Inhospitable appear, and desolate ; 
Nor knowing us, nor known : and if by prayer 
Incessant I could hope to change the will 
Of him who all things can, I would not cease 
To weary him with my assiduous cries : 310 

But prayer against his absolute decree 



Book XL] PARADISE LOST. 245 

No more avails than breath against the wind, 

Blown stifling back on him that breathes it forth • 

Therefore to his great bidding I submit. 

This most afflicts me, that departing hence, 315 

As from his face I shall be hid, depriv'd 

His hlessed count'nance ; here I could frequent 

Wim worship, place by place, where he vouchsaf d 

Pi-essnce divine, and to my sons relate, 

* On this mount he appear'd, under this tree 320 

Stood visible, among these pines his voice 

I heard, hei*e with him at this fountain talk'd :' 

So many grateful altars I would rear 

Of grassy turf, and pile up every stone 

Of lustre from the brook, in memory. 325 

Or monument to ages, and thereon 

Offer sweet-smelling gums, and fruits, and flowers. 

In yonder nether world where shall I seek 

His bright appearances, or footstep trace? 

For though 1 fled him angry, yet, recall'd 330 

To life prolong'd and promis'd race, I now 

Gladly behold, though but his utmost skirts, 

Of glory, and far off his steps adore." 

To whom thus Michael with regard benign : 
" Adam . thou know'st heaven his, and all the earth, 
Not this rock only ; his omnipresence fills 336 

Land, sea, and air, and every kind that lives, 
Fomented by his virtual power and warm'd . 
All th' earth he gave thee to possess and rule. 
No despicable gift ; surmise not then 3-!0 

His presence to these narrow bounds confin'd 
Of Paradise or Eden : this had been 
Perhaps thy capital seat, from whence had spread 
All generations, and had hither come. 
From all the ends of th' earth, to celebrate 345 

And reverence thee their great progenitor. 
But this pre-eminence thou hast lost, brought doivn, 
To dwell on even ground now Avith thy sons : 
Yet doubt not but in valley awd in plain 
God is as here, and will be found alike 350 

Present, and of his presence many a sign 
Still following thee, still compassing thee round 
With goodness and paternal love, his face^ 
Express, and of his cteps the track divine. 
Whicn tpat ihoumay'&t believe, and l)c conf:rm'«l. Zi>5 



246-' PARADISE LOST. [Book XL 

Ere thou from hence depart ; know, I am sent 

To show thee what shall come in future days 

To thee, and to thy offspring; ; good with bad 

Expect to hear, supernal grace contending 

With sinfuln-ess of men ; thereby to learn 36,1 

True patience, and to temper joy with fear 

And pious sorrow, equally inur'd 

By moderation either state to bear. 

Prosperous or adverse : so shalt thou lead 

Safest thy life, and best prepar'd endure 365 

Thy mortal passage when it comes. Ascend 

This hill ; let Eve (for I have drench'd her eyes) 

Here sleep below, while thou to foresight wak'st ; 

As once thou slept'st, while she to life was form'J. 

To whom tWs Adam gratefully replied : 370 

" Ascend, I follow thee, safe guide ! the path 
Thou lead'st me, and to the hand of heaven submit, *" 
However chast'ning, to the evil turn 
My obvious breast, arming to overcome 
By suffering, and earn i"est from labour won, 375 

If so I may attain." So both ascend 
In tlie risions of God. It was a hill, 
Of Paradise the highest, from wuose top 
The hemisphere of earth in clearest ken 379 

Stretch'd out to th' amplest reach of piospect lay. 
Not higher that hill, or wider looking round, 
Whereon, for difF'rent cause, the tempter set 
Our second Adam in the wilderness, 
To show hun all earth's kingdoms and their glory. 
His eye might there command wherever stood 3So 
City of old or modern fame, the seat 
Of mightiest empire, from the destin'd walls 
Of Cambdlu, seat of Cathaian Can, 
And Samarchand by Oxus, Temir's throne, 
To Paqum, of Sinaean kings, and thence Syo 

To Agra, and Labor, of great Mogul, 
Down to the golden Chersonese, or where 
The Persian in Ecbatan sat, or since 
In Hispahan, or where the Russian Czar 
In Moscow, or the Sultan in Bizance, 3'Jfi 

Turchestan-born ; nor could his eye not ken 
Th' empire of Negus, to his utmost port 
Ercoco, and the less maratime kings, 
Mombaza, and duiloa, and Melind, 



SookXI.^ PARADISE LOST. 24? 

And Sofala, thought Ophir, to the realm 400 

Of Congo, and Angola farthest south ; 
Oi' thence from Niger flood to Atlas mount, 
The khigdoms of Almansor, Fez, and Sus, 
Morocco, and Algiers, and Treniisen ; 
On Europe thence, and where Rome was to sway 406 
The world : in s[>iint perhaps he also saw- 
Rich Mexico the seat of Montezuma, 
And Cusco in Peru, the richer seat 
Of Atabalipa, and yet unspoil'd 
Guiana, whose great city Gerj'-Gn's sons 410 

Call El Dorado. But to nobler sights 
Michael from Adam's eyes the iihn remov'd, 
VVhicli that false fruit that promis'd clearer sight 
Had bred ; then purg'd with euphrasy and rue 
The visual ner^-e, for he had much to see ; 4JS 

And from the well of life three drops instill'd. 
So deep the power of these ingredients pierc'd, 
Even to the inmost seat of mental sight, 
That Adam, now enforc'd to close his eyes, 419 

Sunk down, and all his spirits became entranc'd ; 
But him the gentle angel by the hand 
Soon rais'd, and his attention thus recall'd ; 

"Adam! now ope thine eyes, and first behold 
Th' effects which thy original crime hath wrought 
In some to spring from thee, who never touch'd 425 
Til' excepted tree, nor with the snake conspir'd, 
Nor sinn'd thy sin, yet from that sin derive 
Corruption to bring forth more violent deeds." 

His eyes he open'd, and beheld a field, 
Part arable and tilth, whereon were sheaves 430 

New reap'd, the other part sheep-walks and folds; 
V th' midst an altar as the land-max-k stood, 
Rustic, of grassy sod ; thither anon 
A sweaty reaper from his tillage brought 
First fruits, the green ear, and the yellow sneaf, 435 
Uncull'd, as came to hand ; a shepherd next, 
More meek, came with the firstlings of his flock 
Choicest and best; then sacrificing, laid 
The inwards and their fat, with incense strow'd 
On the cleft wood, and all due rites perform'd. 440 
His offering soon propitious fire from heaven 
Coiisuia d with nimble glance, and grateful stjeam j 



f48 PARADISE LOST. [Book M 

The other's not, for his was not sincere ; 
"Whereat he inly rag'd, and as they talk'd, 
Smote him into the midrift'with a stone 44£ 

That beat out life ; he fell, and deadly pale 
Groan'd out his soul with gushing blood effus'd^ 
Much at that sight was Adam in his heart 
Dismay'd, and thus in Jiaste to th' angel cried : 

" O teacher, some gi-eat mischief hath befall'n 450 
To that meek man, who well had sacrificed ; 
Is piety thus and pure devotion paid ?" 

T' whom Michael thus, he also mov'd, replied : 
" These two are brethren, Adam, and to come 
Out of thy loins ; th' unjust the just hath slain, 466 
For envy that liis brother's offering found 
From heaven acceptance : but the bloody fact 
Will be aveng'd, and th' other's faith approv'd 
Lose no rev/ard, though here thou see him die, 
Rolling in dust and gore." To which our sire : 460 

" Alas, both for the deed and for the cause ! 
But have I now seen Death ? Is this the way 
I must return to native dust? O sight 
Of terror, foul and ugly to behold. 
Horrid to think, how horrible to feel !" 465- 

To whom thus Michael : " Death thou hast seen 
In his first shape on man • but many shapes 
Of death, and many are the ways that lead 
To his grim cave, all dismal ; yet to sense 
More terrible at th' entrance than within. 476 

Some, as thou saw'st, by violent stroke shah die, 
B)^ fire, flood, famine ; by mtemp'rance more 
In meats and drinks, which on tlie earth shall bring 
Diseases dire, of which a monstrous crew 
Before thee shall appear ; that thou may'st know 476 
What miserjr th' inabstinence of Eve 
Shall bring on men." Immediately a place 
Before his eyes appear'd, sad, noisome, dark, 
A lazar-house it seem'd, wherein were laid 
Numbers of all diseas'd, all maladies 48G' 

Of ghastly spasm, or racking torture, qualms 
Of heart-sick agony, all feverous kinds. 
Convulsions epilepsieSj. fierce catarrlis. 



BookXI.\ PARADISE LOST. 249 

Intestine stone and ulcer, cholic pangs, 
Demoniac phrenzy, moping melanclioly, 495 

And moon-struck madness, pining atrophy, 
Mai-asmus, and wide-wasting pestilence, • 
Dropsies, and astlimas, and joint-racking i-heums. 
Dire was the tossing, deep the groans ; Despair 
Tended the sick, busiest from couch to couch ; 490 
And over them triumphant Death his dart 
Sliook, but delay'd to strike, though oft invok'd 
With vows, as their chief good, and final hope. 
Sight so deform what heart of rock could long 
Dry-eyed behold ? Adam could not, but wept, 496 
Though not of woman born ; compassion quell'd 
His best of man, and gave him up to tears 
A space, till firmer thoughts restrain'd excess ; 
A.nd scarce recovering words, his plaint renew'd : 

" O miserable mankind, to what lall 500 

Degraded, to what wretched state reserv'd ! 
Better end here unborn. Why is life given 
To be thus wrested from us ? Rather why 
Obtruded on us thus? who, if we knew 
What we receive, would either not accept 505 

Life ofFer'd, or soon beg to lay it down. 
Glad to be so dismiss'd in peace. Can thus 
Th' image of God in man, created once 
So goodly and erect, though faulty since 
To such unsightly sufferings be debas'd 510 

Under inhuman pains ? Why should not man, 
Retaining still divine simiUtude 
2n part, from such deformities be free. 
And for his Makei-'s image sake exempt ?" 514 

'' Their Maker's image," answer'd Michael, " then 
Forsook them, when themselves they vilified 
To serve ungovern'd appetite, and took 
His image whom they serv'd, a brutish vice, 
Inductive mainly to the sin of Eve. 
Therefore so abject is their punishment, 520 

Disfiguring not God's likeness, but their own, 
Or if his likeness, by themselves defac'd, 
While they pervert pure nature's healthful rules 
To loathsome sickness ; worthily, since they 
God's image did not reverence m themselves. 525 



250 PARADISE LOST. [Book XI 

= I yield it just," said Adam, "and submit. 
But is there yet no other way, besides 
These painful passages, how we may come 
To death, and mix with our connatural dust ?" £ 25 

" There is," said Michael, " if thou well observe 
The rule of not too much, by temp'rance taught, 
In what thou eat'st and drink'st, seeking from thence 
Due nourishment, not gluttonous delight, 
Till many years over thy head return : 
So may'st thou live, till like ripe frviit thou drop 
Into thy mother's lap, or be with ease 536 

Gather'd, not harshly pluck'd, for death mature : 
This is old age ; but then thou must outlive 
Thy youth, thy strength, thy beauty, which will 

cbange 
To wither'd, weak, and gray ; thy senses then 540 
Obtuse, all taste of pleasure must forego, 
To what thou hast ; and for the air of youth. 
Hopeful and cheerful, in thy blood will reign 
A melancholy damp of cold and dry, 
To weigh thy spirits down, and last consume 545 
The balm of life." To whom our ancestor 

" Henceforth I fly not death, nor would prolong 
Life much ; bent rather how I may be quit 
Fairest and easiest of this cumb'rous charge, 
Which I must keep till my appointed day 550- 

Of rend'ring up, and patiently attend 
My dissolution." Michael replied : 

" Nor love thy life, nor hate ; but what thou liv'st 
Live well, how long or short permit to heaven : 
And now prepare thee for another sight." 555 

He look'd, and saw a spacious plain, whereon 
VVei'e tents of various hue ; by some were herds 
Of cattle grazing ; others, whence the sound 
Of instruments that made m.elodious chime 
"Was heard, of harp and organ ; and who mov'd 568. 
Their stops and chords where seen ; his volant touch 
Instinct through all proportions, low and high, 
Fled and pursu'd transverse the resonant fugue. 
In other part stood one who at the forge, 
Lab'ring, two massy clod^s of iron avwi bras«5 566 



Book XI.] PARADISE LOST. 25) 

Had melted, (whether found where casuM fir 
Had wasted woods on mountain or in vale, 
Down to the veins of earth, thence gliding hot 
To some cave's mouth, or whether wash'd by stream 
From underground,) the liquid ore he drain'd 570 
Into fit moulds prepar'd ; from which he form'd 
First his own tools ,- then, what might else be 

wrought 
Fusil cr grav'n in metal. After these, 
But on the hither side, a different sort 574 

From the high neighb'ring hills, which was their seat, 
Down to the plain descended : by their guise 
Just men they seem'd, and all their study bent 
To worship God aright, and know his works 
N'ot hid, nor those things last which might preserve 
Freedom and peace to men : they on the plain 5S0 
Long had not walk'd, when from the tents behold 
A bevy of fair women, richly gay 
In gems and wanton dress ; to th' harp they sung 
Soft amorous ditties, and in dance came on. 
The men, tho' grave, eyed them, and let their eyes 
Rove without rein, till in the amorous net 586 

Fast caught, they lik'd, and each his liking chose ; 
And now of love they treat, till th' evening star, 
Love's harbinger, ap'pear'd ; then all in heat 
They light the nuptial torch, and bid invoke 590 
Hymen, then first to marriage-rites invok'd : 
With feast and nmsic all the tents resound. 
Such happy interview and fair event 
Of love and youth not lost, songs, garlands, flowers. 
And charming symphonies, attach'd the heart 595 
Of Adam, soon mclin'd t' admit delight. 
The bent of nature; which he thus express'd : 

" True opener of mine eyes, prime angel bless'd 
Much better seems this vision, atid more hope 
Of peaceful days portends, than those two past; 600 
Those were of hate and death, or pain much wcrse ; 
Here nature seems fulfiU'd in all her ends." 

To whom thus Michael : " Judge not what is best 
By pleasure, though to nature seeming meet. 
Created, as thou art, to nobler end, 605 

Holy and pure, conformity divine. 
Those tents thou saw'st so pleasant, were the tents 



252 FARADISE LOST. {Book Xi 

Of wickedness, wlierein shall dwell his race 

Who slew his brother ; studious they appea-^ 

Of arts that polish life, inventor -3 rare, 610 

Unmindful of their Maker, though his Spine 

Taught them, but they his gifts acknowledge none- 

Yet they a beauteous offspring shall beget; 

For that fair female troop thou saw'st, that seem'd 

Of goddesses, so blithe, so smooth, so gay, 615 

Yet empty of all good, wherein consists 

Woman's domestic honour and chief praise ; 

Bred only and completed to the taste 

Of lustful appetence, to sing, to dance, 

To dress, and troll the tongue, and ^oU the eye. 620 

To these, that sober race of men, whose lives 

Religious titled them the sons of God, 

Shall yield' up all their virtue, all their fame, 

,.2;nobly, to the trains and to the smiles 

Of these fair atheists, and now swim in joy, 625 

Ere long to swim at large ; and laugh, for which 

The world ei-e long a world of tears must weep." 

To whom thus Adam, of sliort joy bereft: 
" O pity and sliame ! that they who ^o live well 
Enter'd so fair, should turn aside to t.ea(i 630 

Paths indirect, or in the midway faint I 
But still I see the tenor of man's avo 
Holds on the same, from woman to begin." 

"From man's eflfcminato slackness it begins," 
Said th' angel, " who should better hold his place 
By wisdom, and superior gifts receiv'd. C35 

But now prepare thee for another scene." 

He look'd, and saw Avide territory spread 
Before him, towns, and rural works between, 
Cities of men with lofty gates and towers ; 640 

Concourse in arms, fierce faces threat'ning war, 
Giants of mighty bone, and be Id emprise ; 
Part wield their arms, part curb the foaming steed, 
Sinde, or in array of battle rang'd. 
Both horse and foot, nor idly must'ring stood : 645 
One way a band select from forage drives 
A herd of beeves, fair oxen, and fair kine, 
From a fat meadow-ground ; or fleecy flock, 
Ewes and their bleating- lamb^ over the plain. 



Book XL] PARADISE LOST. 253 

Their booty ; scarce with life tlie shcpliercls fly, 650 

But call in aid, which makes a bloody fray; 

With cruel tournament the squadrons join ; 

Where cattle pastur'd late, now scattered lies 

With carcasses and arms, th' ensanguin'd field 

Deserted : others to a city strong: 655 

Lay siege, encamp'd ; by battery, scale, and mine, 

Assaulting ; others from the wall defend 

With dart and javelin, stones, and sulphurous fire 

On each hand slaughter and' gigantic deeds. 

In other parts the sceptred heralds call 660 

To council in the city gates ; anon 

Gray-headed men an'd grave, with warriors mix'd 

Assemble, and harangues are heard, but soon 

In factious opposition ; till at last 

Of middle age one rising, eminent 665 

In wise deport, spake much of right and wrong, 

Of justice, of religion, truth and peace. 

And judgment from above : him old and young 

Exploded, and had seiz'd with violent hands, 

Had not a cloud descending snatJi'd him thence 670 

Unseen amid the throng ; so violence 

Proceeded, and oppression and sv/ord-law, 

Through all i.he plain, and refuge none was found. 

Adam was all in tears, and to his guide 

Lamenting turn'd full sad : "O what are these, 675 

Death's ministers, not men, who thus deal death 

Inhumanly to men, and multiply 

Ten thousand-fold the sin of him who slew 

His brother ; for of wliom such massacre 

Make they but of their brethren, men of meif? 680 

But who was that just man, whom had not heaven 

Rescued, had in his righteousness been lost ?" 

To whom thus Michael : " These ai;e the product 
Of those ill-mated marriages thou saw'st ; 
Where good with bad were match'd, who of them- 
selves 685 
Abhor to join J an(^ by impmdence mix'd, 
Produce prodigious births of body or miind. 
Such were these giants, men of high renown ■ 
For in those days mi^ht only shall be admir'd ; 
A.nd valour and heroic virtue call'd ; 5I)C 
To overcome in battle, and subdue 
N'ations, and brini'- home spoils with infinite, 
'^ 22 



% 

'2^4 PAKADISL LOST. [Book Xt. 

Man-slaughter, shall be held the highest pitch 

Of human glory, and for glory done 

Of triumph, to be styl'd great conquerors, 695 

Patrons of mankind, gods, and sons of gods, 

Destroyers rightlier call'd, and plagues of men. 

Thus fame shall be achiev'd, renown on earth, 

And what most merits fame in silence hid. 

But he, the seventh from thee, whom thou beheld'?t; 

The only righteous in a world perverse, 70) 

And therefore hated, thei-efore so beset 

With foes, for daring single to be just, i.. 

And utter odious truth, that God would come j/j' 

To judge them with his saints :' him the Most High, 

Wrapp'd in a balmy cloud, with winged steeds 706 

Did, as thou saw'st, receive, to walk with God 

High in salvation and the climes of bhss, 

Exempt from death ; to show thee what reward 

Awaits the good, the rest what punishment ; 716 

Which now direct thine eyes, and soon behold." 

He look'd, and saw the face of things quite chang'dj 
The brazen throat of war had ceas'd to roar ; 
All now was turn'd to jolhty and game, 
To luxury and riot, feast and dance ; 7i 5 

Marrying or prostituting, as befell, _ 
Rape or adultery, where passing fair 
Allur'd them ; thence from cups to civil broils. 
At length a reverend sire among them came. 
And of their doings great dislike declar'd,* 720 

And testified against their ways ; he oft 
Frequented their assemblies, whereso met, 
Triumphs or festivals, and to them preach'd 
Conversion and repentance, as lo souls 
In prison under jud^ents imminent ; 725 

But all in vain ; which Avhen he saw, he ceas'd 
Contending ; and remov'd his tents far off ; 
Then from the mountain hewing timber tall, 
Began to build a vessel of huge bulk ; _ 721^ 

Measur'd by cubit, length, and breadth, and height, 
Smear'd round with pitch, and in {he side a door 
Contriv'd ; and of provisions laid in large 
For man and beast . when lo, a wonder strange ! 
Of every beast, and bird, and insect small 734 

Came sevens, and pairs, and enter'd in, as taught ; 
Their order : last the &h'e, and his three sous. 



Book XL] PARADISE LOST. 255 

With their four wives ; and God made fast the door 
Meanwhile the south ^v^nd rose, and with black 

wings 
Wide hovering, all the clouds together drove 
From under heaven ; the hills to their supply 740 
Vapour, and exhalation dusk and moist, 
Sent up amain ;' and now the thicken'd sky 
Like a dark ceiling stood ; down rush'd the rain 
Impetuous, and continued till the earth 
No more was seen ; the floating vessel SAvam 745 
Uplifted, and secure with beaked prow 
Rode tilting o'er the waves ; all dwellings else 
Flood overwhelm'd, and them with all their pomp 
Deep under water roll'd ; sea cover'd sea, 
Sea without shore ; and in their palaces, 750 

Where luxury late reign'd, sea-monsters wKelp'd 
And stabled ; of mankind, so numerous late, 
All left, in one small bottom swam imbark'd. 
How did'st thou grieve then, Adam, to behold 
The end of all thy offspring, end so sad, 75i) 

Depopulation ? thee another flood, 
Of tears and sorrow a flood thee also drown'd. 
And sunk thee as thy sons ; till gently rear'd 
Sy th' angel, on thy feet thou stood'st at last, 
Though comfortless, as when a father mourns 760 
His children, all in view destroy'd at once ; 
And scarce to th' angel utter^st thus thy plaint : 

" O visions ill foreseen ! better had 
Liv'd ignorant of future, so had borne 
My part of evil only, each day's lot 765 

Enough to bear ; those now, that were dispens'd 
The burden of many ages, on me light 
At once, by my foreknowledge gaining birth 
Abortive, to torment me ere their being. 
With thought that they must be. Let no man seeK 
Henceforth to be foretold what shall bcfali 771 

Him or his children ; evil he may be sure, 
Which neither his foreknowing can prevent, 
A.nd he the future evil shall no less 
(n apprehension than in substance feel, 775 

Grievous to bear ; but that care now is past, 
JVIan is not whom to warn ; those few escap'd, 
Famine and anguish will at last consume, 
Waud'ring that wat'ry desert, I had liope, 



256 PARADISE LaST. [Book XI 

When violence was ceas'd, and Avar on earth, 78f 
A.li would have then gone well, peace v-'ould have 

crown'd, 
With length of happy days,lhe race of man: 
But I was far decciv'd ; for now 1 see 
Peace to corrupt no less than war to waste. 
How comes it thus ? unfold, celestial'guide,. 731; 

And whether here the race of man will end." 

To whom thus Michael : " Those whom kst t/. ■ 
saw'st 
[n triumph and luxurious wealth, arf. they 
First seen in acts of prowess eminent, 
And great exploits, but of ti'ue virtue void ; 7&0 

Who having spilt much blood, and done much waa"^ 
Subduing nations, and achiev'd thereby 
Fame in the world, high titles, and rich prey. 
Shall change their course to pleasure, ease, and sloth- 
Surfeit, and lust, till wantonness and pride 795 

Raise out of friendship hostile deeds in peaces 
The conquer'd also, and enslav'd by war. 
Shall, with their freedom lost, all virtue lose, • 
And fear of God, from v/hom their piety feign'd, 
In sharp contest of battle found no aid 80O 

Against invaders ; therefore ccol'd in zeal. 
Thenceforth shall practice hovv^ to hve secure, 
Worldly or dissolute, ofi what their lords 
Shall leave them to enjoy ; for th' earth shall bear 
More than enougli, that temperance may be tried : 
So all shall turn degenerate, all deprav'd ; 806 

Justice and temp'rance, truth and taith forgot-, 
One man except, the only son of light 
In a dark age, against example good, 
Against allurement, custom, and a world 810 

Offended ; fearless of reproach and scorn, 
Or violence, he of their wicked ways 
Shall them admonish, and before them set 
The paths of righteousness, how much more safe, 
And full of peace, denouncing wrath to come 815 
On their impenitence ; and shall return 
Of them derided, but of God obsf-rv'd 
The one just man alive ; by his command 
Sliall build a wondrous ark, as thou beheld'st, 
To save himself and household from amidst 820- 

A world devote to universal wrack. 



Book XT.] PARADISE LOST. 257 

No sooner he, with them of man and beast 

Select for life, sliall in tlie ark be lodg'd, 

Ami sheltered rouno, but all the cataracts 

Of heaven, set open on the earth, shall pour 82£ 

Rain, day and night ; all fountains of the deep 

Broke up, shall heave tlie ocean to' usurp 

Beyond all bounds, till inundation rise 

Above the highest hills ; tiien shall this mount 

Of Paradise by might of waves be mov'd 830 

Out of liis place, push'il by the horned flood, 

With all his verdure spoil'd, and trees adrift, 

Down the great river to the opening galf, 

And tiicre take root, an island salt and bare, 

The haunt of seals, and ores, and sea-mews' clang: 

To teach thee that God attributes to place 836 

No sanctity, if none be thither brought 

By men who there frequent, or therein dwelL 

And now what furtlier shall ensue, behold." 

He look'd, and saw the ark hull on the flood, S4C 
Which now abated ; for the clouds were fled. 
Driven by a keen north wind, that blowing diy 
Wrinkled the face of deluge, as decay'd ; 
A.nd the clear sun on his wide wat'ry glass 
Gaz'd hot, and of the fresh wave largely drew, 845 
As after thirst, which made their flowing shrink 
From standing lake to tripping ebb, that stole 
With soft foot tow'rds the d*eep, who now had stopp'd 
His oluices, as the heaven his windows shut. 845} 
The ark no more now floats, but seems on ground, 
Fast on the top of some high mountain fix'd, 
And now the tops of hills as rocks appear , 
With clamour thence the rapid currents drive 
Tow'rds the reti'ealingsea their furious tide. 
Forthwith from out the ark a raven flies, S5[^ 

And after him, the surer messenger, 
A dove, sent forth once and again to spy 
Green tree or ground whereon his foot may light • 
The second time returning, in his bill 
An olive-leaf he brings, pacific sign : 860 

Anon dry ground appeai-s, and from his ark 
The ancient sire descends with all his train ; 
Then with uplifted hands and eyes devout, 
Grateful to heaven, over his head beholds 
A. dewy cloud, and in the cloud a bow. 

Of}* 



253 PARADISE LOST. [Book Ji 

Conspicuous with three listed colours gay, 
Betokening peace from God, and cov'nant new. 
Whereat tiie heart of Adam, erst so sad, 
Greatly rejoic'd, and thus his joy broke forth: 

" O thou who future things canst represent 870 
As present, heavenly instructor I revive, 
At this last sight, assur'd that man shall live 
With all tlie creatures, and their seed preserve. 
Far less I now lament for one Avhole world 
Of wicked sons destroy'd, than I rejoice 875 

For one man found so perfect and so just. 
That God vouchsafes to raise another world 
From him, and all his anger to forget. 
But say, v/hat mean those colou^-'d streaks in heaven, 
Distended as the brow of God appeas'd, SS6 

Or serve they as a flowery verge to bind 
The fluid skirts of that same wat'ry cloud, 
Lest it again dissolve and shower the earth?" 

To whom th' archangel : " Dext'rously thou aim'st ; 
So willingly doth God remit his ire, 885 

Though late repenting him of man deprav'd, 
Griev'd at his heart, when looking down he saw 
The whole earth fill'd with violence, and all flesh 
Corrupting each their way ; yet those remov'd,' 
Such grace shall one just man find in his sight, 890 
That he relents, not to blot out mankind, 
And makes a covenant never to destroy 
The earth again by flood, nor let the sen 
Surpass his lx)unds, nor rain to drown the world 
With man therein or beast ; but when he brings 
Over the earth a cloud, will therein set 89C 

Ris triple-colour'd lx)w, whereon to look. 
And call to mind his cov'nant : day and night, 
Seed-time and harvest, heat and hoaiy trost, 89^ 
Shall hold their course, till fire purge all things new, 
Both heaven and earth, wherein the just shall dwelL 



eND OF BOOK ELEVENTH. 



PARADISE LOST. 



BOOK XII. 



THE ARGUMENT. 



The angel JJichacl continues from the flood to rtlate 
xchat shall succeed; then, in the mention of^ibrahain, 
comes by decrees to explain who that seed of tht 
woman shall be which was promised *idam ana Eve 
in the fall. His incarnation, death, resunectioTi, 
and ascc-nsii}n ; the state of tht church till his second 
coming. Mam, greatly satisji<.d and rec&mfarted bv 
these relations and promises, acsctnds the hill with 
Michael; wakens Eve, who all this while had slept, 
but with gentle dreams composed to quietness of mind 
and submission. JUichael in either hand leads them 
out of Paradise, the fery sword waving behind them, 
and the Cherubim taking their stations to guard the 
place. 



As one who in his journey baits at noon, 

rho' bent on s})eed : so liere die archangel paus'd 

Betwixt the v.orid destroy'd and work! reslor'd, 

If Adam ought perliaps liiight interpose ; 

Then with ti-ansition sweeknew speech resumes. 5 

* Thus thou hast seen one world begin and end ; 
And man as from a second stock proceed. 
Much thou hast yet to see, but I perceive 
Thy mortal sight to tail ; objects divine 
Must needs impair and weary l.uman sense. 10 

Henceforth what is to come I will relate, 
Thou therefore dve due audience, nnd attend. 



260 PARADISE LOST. [Book Ml 

" This second source of men, while yel but fc\v 
And while the dread of judgment past remains 
Fresh in their minds, fearing the Deity, i r 

With some regard to what is just and right, 
Shall lead their lives, and multiply apace, 
Lab'rm^ the soil and reaping plenteous crop, 
Corn, wine, and oil ; and, from tlie herd or flock, 
Oft sacrificing bullock, lamb, or kid, 20 

With large wine-ofFerings pou)-'d, and sacred feast, 
Shall spend their days in joy unblam'd, and dwell 
Long time in peace, by families and tribes, 
Under paternal rule : till one shall rise 
Of proud ambitious heart, who, not content 25 

W^ith fair equality, fraternal state. 
Will arrogate dominion undeserv'd 
Over his brethren, and quite dispossess 
Concord and law of nature from the earth. 
Hunting (and men, not beasts, shall be his game) 30 
With v/ar and hostile snare such as refuse 
Subjection to his empire tyrannous : 
A mighty hunter thence he shall be styl'd 
Before the Lord, as in despite of heaven. 
Or from heaven claiming second sov'x-eignty 35 

And from rebellion shall derive his name, 
Though of rebellion others he accuse. 
He with a crew, wboni like ambition joins 
With him or under him to tyrarmize, 
Marching from Eden towards the west, shall find 40 
The plain, wherein a black bituminous gurge. 
Boils out from under ground, the mouth of hell: 
Of brick, and of that stuff they cast to build 
A city and tower, whose top may reach to heaven ; 
And get themselves a name, lest, far dispers'd J5 
In foreign lands, their memory be lost, 
Regardless whether good or evil fame. 
But God, who oft descends to visit men 
Unseen, and through their habitations 'vvalks 
To mark their doings, them beholding soon, 50 

Comes down to see their city, ere the tower 
)bstruct heaven-towers, and in derision sets 
Upon their tongues a various spirit, to razo 
Cluite out their native language, and instead 
To sow a jangling noise of words unknown. 55 

Forthwith a hideous gabble rises loud 
Among the builders : each to other calls 



Book XII.] PARADISE LOST. 26! 

Not understood, till hoarse, and all in rage, 
As mock'd, they storm : great laughter Tvas in heaven. 
And looking down, to see the hubbub strange GO 

And hear the din ; thus was the building left 
Ridiculous, and the work Confusion nam'd." 

"Whereto thus Adam fatherly displeas'd ; 
" O execrable son, so to aspire 

Above his brethren, to himself assuming 05 

Authority usiu-p'd, from God not given : 
He gave us only over beast, fish, fowl, 
Dominion absolute ; that right we hold 
By his donation ; but man over men 
Eie made not lord : such title to himself 70 

Reserving, human left from human free. 
But this usurper his encroachment proud 
Stays not on man ; to God his tower intends 
Siege' and defiance. Wretched man! what food 
Will he convey up thither to sustain • 75 

Himself and his rash army, where thin air 
Above the clouds will pine his entrails gross, 
And famish Jiim of brcvath, if not of bread ?" 

To whom thus Michael : " Justly thou abhorr'st 
That son, who on the quiet state of men 80 

Such trouble brought, affecting to subdue 
Rational liberty ; yet know withal. 
Since thy original lapse, true liberty 
Is lost, which always witli right reason dwells 
Twin'd, and from her hath no dividual being. 85 

Reason in man obscur'd, or not obey'd, 
Immediately inordinate desires 
And upstart passions catch the governn\ent 
From reason, and to servitude reduce 
Man till then free. Therefore since he permits 90 
Within liimself unworthy powers to reign 
Over free reason, God in judgment just 
Subjects him from without to violent lords; 
Who oft as undeservedly intla-al 
His outward freedom : tyranny must l>e, 95 

Though to the tyrant thereby no excuse. 
Yet sometimes nations will decline so low 
From virtue, which is reason, that no wrong, 
But justice, and some fatal curse annex'd, 
iJeprives them of their outward liberty, 100 



262 PARADISE LOST. [Book > ll 

Their inward lost. Witness th' irreverent son 
Of him who built the ark, w]\o for the shame 
Done to his father lieard his heavy curse, 
Servant of servants,' on his vicious race. 
Thus will this latter, as the former world, 105 

Still tend from bad to worse, till God at last. 
Wearied with their iniquities, withdraw 
flis presence from among them, and avert 
His holy eves ; resolving from thenceforth 
To leave them to their own polluted ways ; 1 10 

And one peculiar nation to select 
From all the rest, of whom to be invok'd, 
A nation from one faithful man to spring : 
Him on this side Euphrates yet residing. 
Bred up in idel- worship. O that men 115 

(Canst thou believe?) should be so stupid grown, 
While yet the patriarch liv'd, who scap'd the flood, 
As to forsake the living God, and foil 
To worship their own work in wood and stone 
For gods ! Yet him God the Most High vouchsafes 
To call by vision from his father's house, 121 

His kindred and false gods, into a land 
Which he will shov/ him, and from him will raise 
A mighty nation, and upon him shower 
His benediction so, that in his seed 125 

All nations shall be bless'd ; he straight obeys, 
Not knowing to what land, yet firm believes. 
I see him, but thou canst not, with what faith 
He leaves his gods, his friends, and native soil 
Ur of Chaldea, passing now tlie ford 130 

To Haran, after him a cumbrous train 
Of, herds, and flocks, and numerous servitude ; . 
iN'ot wand'ring poor, but trusting all his wealth 
With God, who call'd him, in a land unknown. 
Canaan he now attains ; I see his tents 135 

Pitch'd about Shechem, and the neiglib'ring plain 
Of Moreh ; there by promise he receives 
Gift to his progeny of all that land, 
From Hamaih northward to tne desert south, 139 
(Things by their names I call, though yet unnam'd) 
From Hermon east to the great western sea ; 
Mount Hermon, yonder sea, each place behold 
In prosj)ect, as 1 point them ; on the shore 
Mount Carmel ; here the double-founted stream 
Jordan, true limit eastward ; but his sons 145 



Bock XII.] PARADISE LOST. Q?i? 

Sliall dwell to Seir, that long uidge oi hiii». 
This ponder, that all nations of the earth 
Shall in his seed be blessed j by that seed 
Is meant the great Deliverer, who shall bruise 
Fiio serpent's head ; whereof to thee anon 15<" 

l^aiuiier shall be reveal'd. This patriarch bless'd, 
Whom faithful Abraham due time shall call 
A !=on, and of his son a grandchild leaves, 
Like him in faith, in wisdom, and renown ; 
The grandchild with twelve sons increas'd departs 
From Canaan, to a land hereafter calPd 1 56 

Egypt, divided by the river Nile ; 
See where it flows, disgorging at seven moutlis 
Into the sea : to sojourn in that land. 
He comes invited by a younger son J60 

In time of dearth ; a son whose worthy deeds 
Raise him to be the second in that realm 
Of Pharaoh : there he dies, and leaves his race 
Growing into a nation ; and now grown, 
Suspected to a sequent king, who seeks 165 

To stop tlieir overgrowth, as inmate guests . 

Too numerous ; whence of guests he makes them * 

slaves 
Inhospitably, and kills their infant males : 
Till by two brethren (those two brethren call 
Moses and Aaron) sent from God to claim 170 

His people from inthralment, they return 
With glory and spoil back to their promis'd iand. 
But first the lawless tyrant, who denies 
To know their God, or message to regard, 
Must be cornpcll'd by signs and judgments dire ; 17 h 
To blood unslied the rivers must be turn'd ; 
Frogs, lice, and flies, must all his palace fill 
With loath'd intrusion, and fill all the land , 
His cattle must of rot and mun-ain die ; 
Botches and blains must all his flesh emboss, 181» 

And all his people ; thunder niix'd with hail. 
Hail mix'd with fire, must rend th' Egyptian sky, 
And wheel on th' earth, devouring where it rolls ; 
What it devours not, herb, or fruit, or grain, 
A darksome cloud of locusts swarming down 1S5 
Must eat, and on the ground leave nothing green ; 
Darkness must overshadow all his bounds. 
Palpable darkness, and blot out three days ; 
Last with one midnight stroke all the first born 



2C4 PARADISE LOST. [Book XTi 

Of E^ypt must lie dead. Thus with ten wounds- 

The river-dragon tam'd at length submits 191 

To let his sojourners depart, and oft 

Humbles his stubborn heart, but still as ice 

More harden'd after thaw, till in his rage 

Pursuing whom he late dismiss'd, the sea V3t 

Swallows him with his host, but them lets pass 

As on dry land between two crystal walls, 

Awed by the rod of Moses so to stand 

Divided, till his rescued gain their shore. 

Such wondrous pov/er God to his saint will lend, ♦ 

Though present in his angel, v/ho shall go 20l 

Before them in a cloud, and pillar of fire. 

By day a cloud, by nia;ht a pillar of fire. 

To guide them in their journey, and remove 

Behind them, while th' obdurate king pursues. 205 

All night he will pursue, but his approach 

Darkness defends between till morning watch ; 

Then through the fiery pillar and the cloud 

God, looking forth, will trouble all his host. 

And craze their chariot- wheels : when by command, 

Moses once more his potent rod extends 211 

Over the sea ; the sea his rod obeys ; 

On their embattled ranks the waves return, 

And overwhelm their war : the race elect. 

Safe towards Canaan,/rom the shore advance 21^ 

Through the wild desert, not the readiest way, 

Lest ent'ring on the Canaanite alarm'd 

War terrify'd them inexpert, and fear 

Return them back to Egypt, choosing rather 

Inglorious life with servitude ; for life 220 

To noble and ignoble is more sweet 

Untrain'd in arms, where rashness leads not on. 

This also shall they gain by their dday 

In the wide wilderness, there they shall found 

Their government, and their great senate choose 225 

Through the twelve tribes, to i-ule by lav/s ordain'd 

God from the mount of Sinai, whose gray top 

Shall tremble, he descending, will himself 

In thunder, lightning, and loud trumpets sound. 

Ordain them laws ; j)art such as appertain 2.'J0 

To civil justice, part religious rites 

Of sacrifice, inforniihg them, by types 

And shadows, of that destin'd Seed to bruise 

The serpent, by what meai^s be shall achieve 



Book XII.] PARADISE LOST 2G6 

Mankind's deliverance. But the voice of God 235 

To mortal ear is dreadful ; they beseech 

That Moses might report to ihem his will, 

And terror cease ; he grants what they besought, 

Instructed that to God is no access 

Without mediator, whose high office now 210 

Moses in figure bears, to introduce 

One greater, of whose day he shall foretell, 

A.nd all the prophets in their age, the times 

Of great Messiah shall sing. Thus laws and rites 

Establish'd, such delight hath God in men, 245 

Obedient to his will, that he vouchsafes 

A.niong them to set up his tabernacle, 

The Holy One with mortal men to dwrll : 

By his prescript a sanctuary is fram'd 

Of cedar, overlaid with gold, therein 250 

An urk, and in the ark his testimony. 

The records of his covenant, over these 

A mercy-seat of gold between the wings 

Of two bright cherubim ; before him burn 

Seven lamps, as in a zodiac representing 255 

The heavenly fires ; over the tent a cloud 

Shall rest by day, a fiery gleam by night, 

Save when they journey, and at length they come, 

Conducted by his angel, to the land 

Promis'd to Abraham and his seed. The rest 260 

Were long to tell, how many battles fought, 

How many kings destroy'd and kingdoms won, 

Or how the sun shall in mid-heaven svand still 

A day entire, and night's due course adjourn, 

Man's voice commanding, ' Sun in Gibeon stand, 2G5 

And thou moon in the vale of Ajalon, 

Till Israel overcome ;' so call the third 

Fi'om Abraham, son of Isaac, and from him 

His whole descent, who thus shall Canaan win." 

Here Adam interpos'd : " O sent from heaven, 270 
Enlight'ner of my darkness ! gracious things 
Thou hast reveal'd, those chiefly which concern 
Just Abraham and his seed : now first I find 
Mine eyes true opening, and my heart much eas'd. 
Erewhile perplcx'd with thoughts what would become 
Of me and all mankind ; but now I see 276 

His day, in whom all nations shall be blessM 
Favour unmerited by me, who sought 
23 



266 PARADISE LOST Book XII. 

Forbidden knowledge by forbidden means. 

Yet this I apprehend not, why to those 280 

Among whom God will deign to dwell on earth, 

So many and so various laws are given ; 

So many laws argue so many sins 

A-mong them ; how can God with such reside ?" 284 

To whom thus Michael ; " Doubt not but that sin 
Will reign among them as of thee begot ; 
And, therefore, was laAv given them to evince 
Their natural pravity, by stirring up 
Sin against law to fight ; that v/hen they see 
Law can discover sin, but not remove, 21)0 

Save by those shadowy expiations weak, 
The blood of bulls and goats, they may conclude 
Some blood more precious must be paid for man. 
Just for unjust, that in such righteousness. 
To them by faith imputed, they may find 295 

Justification towards God, and peace 
Of conscience, which the law by ceremonies 
Cannot appease, nor man the moral part 
Perform, and, not performing, cannot live. 
So law appears imperfect, and but given 300 

With purpose to resign them in full time 
Up to a better covenant, disciplin'd 
From shadowy types to truth, from flesh lo spirit. 
From imposition of strict laws to free 
Acceptance of large grace, fi'om servile fear 303 

To filial, works of law to works of faith. 
And therefore shall not Moses, though of God 
Highly belov'd, being but the minister 
Of law, his people into Canaan lead ; 
But Joshua, whom the Gentiles Jesus call, 31U 

His name and ofHce bearing, who shall quell 
The adversaiy serpent, and bring back, 
Through the woi-ld's wilderness, longwander'd nian 
Safe to eternal Paradise of rest. 
Meanwhile they, in their earthly Canaan plac'd, 'iL5 
Long time shall dwell and prosper ; but when sins 
National interrupt their public peace. 
Provoking God to raise them enemies ; 
From whom as oft he saves them penitent. 
By judges first, then under kings ; of whom 32C 

The second, both for piety renown'd. 
And puissant deeds, a promi'je shall receive 



Book XII.] PARADISE LOST. 267 

Irrevocable, that his regal throne 

For ever shall CKdure ; the like shall sing 

A.11 prophecy, that of the royal stock 325 

Of David (so I name this king) shall rise 

A Son, the woman's seed to thee foretold, 

Foretold to Abraham, as in whom shall trust 

All nations, and to king's foretold, of kings 

The last, for of his reign shall be no end. 330 

But first a long succession must ensue. 

And his next son, for wealth and wisdom fam'd, 

The clouded ark of God, till then in tents 

Wand'ring, shall in a glorious temple inshrine. 

Such follow him as shall be register'd 335 

Part good, part bad ; of bad the longer scroll, 

Whose ifoul idolati'ies, and other faults, 

Heap'd to the popular sum, will so incense 

God, as to leave them, and expose their land 

Their city, his temple, and his holy ark, 34U 

With all his sacred things, a scorn and prey 

To that proud city, whose high walls thou saw'st 

Left in confusion, Babylon thence call'd. 

There in captivity he lets them dwell 

The space of seventy years, then brings them back, 

Rememb'ring mercy, and his covenant sworn 346 

To David, stablish'd as the days of heaven. 

Return'd from Babylon, by leave of kings, 

Their lords, whom God dispos'd, the house of God 

They first re-edify, and foe a while 350 

In mean estate live moderate, till grown 

In wealth and multitude, factious they grow ; 

But first among the priests dissention springs, 

Men who attend the altar, and should most 

Endeavour peace : their strife pollution brings 355 

Upon the temple itself; at last they seize 

Tlie sceptre, and regard not David's sons. 

Then lose it to a stranger, that the true 

Anointed kin^ Messiah might be born 

Barr'd of his righ*: yet at his birth a star, 360 

Unseen before in heaven, proclaims him come 

And guides the eastern sages, who inquire 

His place, to offer incense, myrrh, and gold. 

His place of birth a solemn angel tells 

To simple shepherds, keeping watch by nighr ; 305 

They gladly thither haste, and by a choir 

Of squadron'd angels hear his carol sung 



268 PARADISE LOST. [Book XII. 

* A Virgin is his mother, but his sire 
The power of the Most High ; he shall ascend 
The throne hereditary, and bound his reign 370 

With earth's wide bounds, his glory with the 
heavens.' " 

He ceas'd, discerning Adam with such joy 
Surcharg'd as had, like grief, been dew'd in tears, 
Without the vent of words which these he breath'd • 

" O prophet of glad tidings, finisher 375 

Of utmost hope ! now clear I understand 
What oft my steadiest thoughts have search'd in vain , 
Why our great expectation should be call'd 
The Seed of Woman. Virgin Mother, hail ! 
High in the love of Heaven, yet from my loins 380 
Thou shalt proceed, and from thy womb the Son 
Of God Most High ; so God with man unites : 
Needs must the serpp.nt now his capital bruise 
Expect with mortal pain : say where and when 384 
Their fight, what stroke shall bruise the victor's heel ?'' 

To whom thus Michael : " Dream not of their fight 
As of a duel, or the local wounds 
Of head or heel : not therefore joins the Son 
Manhood to Godhead, with more strength to foil 
Thy enemy ; Nor so is overcome 390 

Satan, whose fall from heaven, a deadlier bruise, 
Disabled not to give thee thy death's wound : 
Which he, who comes thy Saviour, shall recure, 
Not by destroying Satan, but his works 
[n thee and in thy seed. Nor can this be, 396 

But by fulfilling that which thou didst want, 
Obedience to the law of God, impos'd 
On penalty of death, and suffering death, 
Tlie penalty to thy transgression due, 
A.nd due to theirs which out of thine will grow : 400 
So only can high justice rest appaid. 
The law of God exact he shall fulfk 
8oth by obedience and by love, though love 
Alone fulfil the law ; thy punishment 
He shall endure by coming in the flesh 405 

To a reproachful life and cursed death, 
Proclaiming life to all who shall believe 
111 his redemption, and that his obedience 
Imputed becomes theirs by faith, his merits 



BookXIL] PARADISE LOST. 269 

To save then), not their own, though legal works. 
For this he shall live hated, be blasphem'd, 411 

Seiz'd on by force, judg'd, and to death condemn'd 
A shameful and accurs'd, nail'd to the cross 
By his own nation, slain for bringing life ; 
But to the cross he nails thy enemies, _ 415 

The law that is against thee, and the sins 
Of all mankind, with him there crucified, 
Never to hurt them more who rightly trust 
In this his satisfaction ; so he dies, 
But soon revives ; death over him no power 420 

Shall long usurp ; ere the third dawning light 
Return, the stars of morn shall see him rise 
Out of his grave, fresh as the dawning light 
Thy ransom paid, which man from death redeems. 
His death for man, as many as offer'd life 425 

Neglect not, and the benefit embrace 
By faith not void of works. This godlike act 
Annuls thy doom, the death, thou shouldst have died, 
In sin for ever lost from life ; this act 429 

Shall bruise the head of Satan, crush his strength. 
Defeating Sin and Death, his two main arms, 
And fix far deeper in his head their stings 
Than temp'ral death shall bruise the victor's heel, 
Or theirs whom he redeems, a death-like sleep, 
A gentle wafting to immortal life. 435 

Nor after resurrection shall he stay 
Longer on earth than certain times t' appear 
To his disciples, men who in his life 
Still follow'd him ; to them shall leave in charge 
To teach all nations what of him they learn'd 440 
And his salvation, them who shall believe 
Baptizing in the profluent stream, the sign 
Of washing them from guilt of sin to life 
Pure, and in mind prepar'd, if so befall, " 

For death, like that which the Redeemer died. 4-15 
All nations they shall teach ; for from that day 
Not only to the sons of Abraham's loins* 
Salvation shall be preach'd, but to the sons 
Of Abraham's faith wherever through the world j 
So in his seed all nations shall be bless'd. 450 

Then to the heaven of heavens shall he ascend 
With victory, triumphing through the air 
Over his foes and thme ; there shall surprise 
The serpent, prince of air, and drag in chains 
23* 



270^ PARADISE LOST. [Book XII, 

Through all his reahn, and there confounded leave ; 
Then enter into glory, and resume 456 

His seat at God's right hand, exalted high 
Above all names in heaven ; and thence shall come, 
When this world's dissolution shall be ripe, 
With glory and power to judge both quick and 
dead, 460 

To judge th' unfaithful dead, but to reward 
His faithful, and receive them into bliss, 
Whether in heaven or earth, for then the earth 
Shall all be Paradise, far happier place 
Than this of Eden, and far happier days." 4G5 

So spake the archangel Michael, then paus'd, 
As at the world's great period ; and our sire, 
Replete with joy and wonder, thus replied : 

" O goodness infinite ! goodness immense ! 
That all this good of evil shall produce, 470 

And evil turn to good ; more wonderful 
Than that which "by creation first brought forth 
Light out of darkness ! Full of doubt I stand, 
Whether I should repent me now of sin 
By me done and occasion'd, or rejoice 475 

Much more, that much more good thereof shall spring, 
To God more glory, more good-will to men 



But say, if our Deliverer up to heaven 

Must re-ascend, what will betide the few 480 

His faithful, left among th' unfaithful herd. 

The enemies of truth ? Avho then shall guide 

His people, who defend ? will they not deal 

Worse with his followers than with him they dealt V' 

" Be sure they will," said th' angel ; " but from 
heaven 485 

He to his own a Comforter will send, 
The promise of the Father, who shall a well 
His Spirit within them, and the law of faith, 
Workmg, through love, upon their hearts shall write, 
To guide them in all truth, and also arm 490 

With spiritual armour, able to resist 
Satan's assaults, and c^uench his fiery darts ; 
What man can do against them, not afraid. 
Though to the death, against such cruelties 



nook XIL] PARADISE LOST. 271 

With inward consolations recompens'd, 495 

And oft, supported so as shall amaze 

Their proudest persecutors : for the Spirit 

Poui-'d first on his Ap)ostles, whom he sends 

T' evangcnze the nations, then on all 

Baptiz'd, shall them with wondrous gifts endue 300 

To speak all tongues, and do all miracles, 

As did their Lord before them. Thus they win 

Great numbers of each nation to receive 

With joy the tidings brought from heaven : at lengtli, 

Their ministry perform'd, and race well run, 505 

Their doctrine and their story written left, 

They die ; but in their room, as they forewarn. 

Wolves shall succeed for teachers, grievous wolves, 

V/ho all the sacred mysteries of heaven 

To their ov/n vile advantages shall turn 510 

Of luci-e and ambition, and the truth 

With superstitions and traditions taint, 

Left only in those written records pure, 

Though not but by the Spirit understood. 

Then shall they seek to avail themselves of names. 

Places, and titles, and with these to join 516 

Secular power, though feigning still to act 

By spiritual, to themselves appropriating 

The Spit-it of God, promis'd alike and given 

To all believers ; and from that pretence, 520 

Spiritual laws by carnal power shall force 

On every conscience ; laws which none shall find 

Left them enroU'd, or what the Spirit within 

Shall on the heart engrave. What will they then 

But force the Spirit of grace itself, and bind 525 

His consort Liberty? What, but unbuild 

His living temples, built by faith to stand, 

Their own faith not another's ? for on earth . : 

Who against faith and conscience can be heai-d -^ 

(nfallible ? Yet many will presume : 63C 

Whence heavy persecution shall arise 

On all who in the worship persevere 

Of spirit and truth ; the rest far greater part, 

Will deem in outv.'ard rites and specious forms 

lleHgion satisfied ; truth shall retire 535 

Bestruck with sland'rous darts, and works of faitlt 

Rarely be found : so shall the world go on, 

To good malignant, to bad men benign. 

Under her own weight groaning, till the day 



272 PARADISE LOST {Book XII. 

Appear of repaiation to the just 540 

And vengeance to the wicked, at reljrn 
or him so lately pronnis'd to thy aid. 
The Woman's Seed, obscurely then foretold, 
Now amplier known thy Saviour and thy Eord ; 
Last in tne clouds from heaven to be reveal'a 543 
In glory of the Father, to dissolve 
Satan with his perverted world, then raise 
Prom the conilagrant mass, pnrg'd and refin'd, 
New heavens, new earth, ages of endless date, 
Founded in righteousness, and peace, and love, 55JJ 
To bring forth fruits, joy and eternal bliss." 

He ended ; and thus Adam last replied ; 
' How soon hath thy prediction, seer bless'd f 
Measur'd this transient world, the race of time, 
Till time stand fix'd ? ]>eyond is all abyss, 655 

Eternity, whose end no eye can reach. 
Greatly instructed I shall henee depart, 
Greatly in peace of thought, and have my fill 
Of knowledge, what this vessel can contain 
Beyond which was my folly to aspire. 660 

Henceforth I learn, that to obey is best, 
And love with fear the only God^ to walk 
As in his presence, ever to observe 
His providence, and on him sole depend, 
Merciful over all his works, with good 565 

Stili overcoming evil, and by small 
Accomplishing great things, by things deem'd v/eak 
Subverting worldly strong, and worldly wise 
By simply meek : that suffering for truth's sake 
Is fortitude to highest victory, 570 

And, to the faithful, death the gate of life ; 
Taught this by his example, whom I now 
Acknowledge my P^edeemer ever bless'd." 

To whom thus also th' angel last replied 
" This having learn'd, thou hast attain'd the sum 573 
Of wisdom ; hope no higher, though all the stars 
Thou knew'st by name, and all th' ethereal powers, 
All secrets of the deep, all Nature's works, 
Or works of God in heaven, air, earth, or sea 
And all the riches of this world enjoy'dst, 580 

And all the rule, one empire ; only add 
Deeds to thy knowledge answerable add faith, 



Book XU.\ PARADISE LOST. 273 

Add virtue, {)aueuce, temperance, add love. 

By name to come eall'd charity, the soul 

Of all the rest : then wilt thou not be loath 585 

To leave this Paradise, but shalt j>ossess 

A Paradise within thee, happier far. 

Let us descend now, therefore, from this top 

Of speculation ; for the hour precise • 

Exacts our parting hence ; and see the guai'ds, 590 

Sy me encamp'd on yonder hill, expe<;t 

Their motion, at whose front a flaming sword, 

(n signal of remove, v/aves fiercely round : 

We may no longer stay. Go, waken Eve ; 

Her also I Avith gentle dreams have calm'd, HO.^ 

Portending good, and all her spirits compos'd 

To meek submission : thou at season fit 

Let her with thee pai-take what thou hast heard, 

Chiefly what may concern her faith to know, 

The great deliverance by her seed to come, GiXi 

(For by the Woman's Seed) on all mankind ; 

That ye may live, which may be msmy days, 

Both in one faith unanimous though sad, 

With cause, for evils past, yet much more eheer'd 

Wita meditation on the happy end." 605 

He ended, and they both descend the hill ; 
Descended, Adam to the bower where Eve 
Lay sleeping ran betore, but found her wak'a : 
And thus with words not sad she him i-eceiv'd : 

" Whence thou return'st, and whither wenl'st 1 
know ; 610 

For God is also in sleep, and dreams advise 
Which he hath sent propitious, some great good 
Presaging, since Avkh sorrow and heart's distress 
Wearied I fell asleep : but noAv lead on ; 
In me is no delay ; with thee to go 615 

f s to stay here ; without ihec here to stay, 
Is to go hence unwilling j tAcn lo me 
Art all things under heaven, all places thou, 
Who for my wilful crime art banish'd hence. 
This further consolation yet secure 620 

I carry henos ; though all by me is lost. 
Such favour 1 unworihy am vouchsaf 'd, 
Bjr me the promis'd Seed shalJ all restore." 



274 PARADISE LOST. [Book XIL 

So spake our mother Eve, and Adam heara 
Well pleas'd but answer'd not ; for now too nigh 625 
Th' archangel stood, and from the other hill 
To their fix'd station, all in bright array, 
The cherubim descended ; on the ground 
Gliding meteorous, as evening mist 
Risen from a'river o'er the marish glides, 630 

And gathers ground fast at the lab'rer's heel 
Homeward returning. High in front advanc'd 
The brandish'd sword of God before them blaz'd 
Fierce as a comet ; which with torrid heat, 
And vapour as the Libyan air adust, 635 

Began to parch that temp'rate clime ; whereat 
In cither hand the hast'ning angel caught 
Our hngering parents, and to th' eastern gate 
Lied them direct, and down the cliff as fast 
To the subjected plain ; then disappeared. 640 

They, looking back, all th' eastern side beheld 
Of Paradise, so late their happy seat, 
Wav'd over by that flaming brand, the gate 
With dreadful faces throng'd and fiery arms : 
Some natural tears they dropp'd, but wip'd there 
soon. C45 

Tiie world was all before them, wlicre to choose 
Their place of rest, and Providence their guide. 
They, hand in hand, witl' wand'ring steps and slow 
Through Eden took their solitary way. 



INDEX 

TO 

PARADISE LOST. 



Abtt. ~-2'her.umeral letters refer to tht Book, the figures 
to the Line, 

AARON and Moses, their mission to Egypt, xii. 170. 

Abdiel, a seraph, his opposition to Satan, respecting 
the revolt of the angels, v. S03, his fidelity, v. 896, 
abandons the party of Satan, vi. 1. soliloquy on 
viewing him at their head, vi. 114, his conquest q( 
Ariel, Arioch, and Ramiel, vi. 369, ■ '" 

Abel and Cain, their story, xi. 429. 

Abraham, and the Patriarchs, story of, xii. 113. 

Adam and Eve, general description of them, iv. 288, 
more minutely described, iv. 295, their state of in- 
nocence, iv. 312, 492, 738, v. 211, 303, viii. 510, 
entertainment of the angel Raphael, v. 313, 391, 
their nuptial bed described, iv. 708, their behaviour 
after the fall, and on finding themselves naked, 
ix. 1004, 1051, attempt to avoid God, x. 97, appear 
before him, x. 109, their expulsion from Paradise, 
xU. 265. 

Adam, his discourse with Eve on the prohibition ol 
the tree of knowledge, iv. 411, on viewing her 
sleeping, v. 8, his answer to her dream relative to 
Satan's first temptation, v. 94, his discourse in the 
bower with Raphael, v. 460, his creation and domi- 
nion, ix. 524, his first view of the Divine Presence, 
&c. viii. 311, his speech to God on his solitude 
in Paradise, viii. 357, his passion for Eve, viii. 521, 
discourses with her on Satan's subtilty, ix. from 
?05 to 384, soliloquy on her transgression, ix. 896, 



276 INDEX. 

resolves to die with her, ix. 907, eats the forbidden 
fruit, ix. 996, solicits her to submit to sexual plea- 
sures, and their consequences, ix. 1081, 1016, speech 
to her on their fall, &c. ix. 1067, the sentence on 
him, X. 197, reflects on the immortality of the soul, 
&c. X. 782, his resolution against the advice of Eve 
to commit suicide, x. 1028, behaviour on receiving 
the message for their expulsion, xi. 263. 

A.dramelech and Asmalia, fallen angels, their defeat, 
vi. 365. 

A-tnaranth, a flower, transplanted to heaven, iii. 352, 

Ambition censured, ii. 482. 

Angels obey God from choice, v. 585, engagement of 
the celestial party against Satan, vi. 202, 6j34, their 
song on the creation, vii. 180, 252, 557, 602, their 
re-ascent to heaven on Adam's fall, xi. 17, appointed 
to drive Adam from Paradise, xi. 127, execution ot 
that oflice, xii. 626. 

Angels, the fallen, their names, i. 374, pursuits, ii. 
528, engagement, vi. 202, defeat and expulsion 
from'heaven, vi. 831, 877, transformed into serpents, 
&c. X. 519, 547. 

Apostles, their mission, &c. xii. 432, their successors 
described, xii. 508. 

Azazel, Satan's standard bearer, i. 534. 

Babel, its building, and the confusion of language 

thence arising, xii. 38, 48. 
Battle between the angels described, vi. 202 to 877. 
Beelzebub described, ii. 299, excites an attempt on the 

world, ii. 245. 
Belial, speeches of, ii. 119, vi. 620. y- 

Blasts, originated from the fall of Adam, x. 692. ..< 
Bridge from the gates of hell over Chaos to the world, 

X. 293. 

Cam and Abel, their story, xi. 429. 

Cham, his story, xii. 101. 

Chance, explosion of the general idea respecting it, ii. 

909. 
IJhaos described, ii. 890, vii. 210, its limits since, the 
■'■fall of the angels, ii. 998, its state before that event, 

v. 577. 
Church, hirelings in it compared with the devil in 

Paradise, iv. 192. 



INDEX. 277 

Conjugal love praised, iv. 750, 765, definition of it, 

vui. 589, a reciprocal duty, ix. 357. 
Conjugal union, its reasons and obligations, viii. 494, 

ix. 955, 961. 
Conscience, the umjiire of God in man, iii. 194, its 

terrors, iv. 23, x. 842, censure of laws to enforce it, 

xii. 515. 
Creation, the universal description of it, iii. 708, vii. 

221. 
Creatures, in Paradise described, iv. 340, their dis 

cord a consequence of the fall, x. 707. 

Dagon, a fallen angel, some account of, i. 457. 

Damned, description of the vicissitudes of their iOT- « 
ments, ii. 596. 

David, why his throne is eternal, xii. 320. <. 

Day and night in lieavcn, description of, vi. 4. 

Death and Sin, their post at the gates of hell, before 
the fall, ii. 6S3, their union, x. 249, their meeting 
w^th Satan on his return to hell, x. 326, their arri- 
val at Paradise, x. 585, subsequent conduct in the 
world, X. 610. 

Death, description of, ii. 666, its parentage, ii. 727, 
•its birth, ii. 777, its answers to sin, x. 264, 596. 

Death of the body, its causes and variety, xi. 466, tc 
493, its terrors more imaginary than real, xi. 469, 
the gate of life, xii. 571. 

Death, eternal, considerations on, x. 808. 

Deluge, see J^oah. 

Des])air, its degrees, &c. iv. 108. 

Devils, why excluded from grace, iii. 129. 

Discord censured, ii. 496, the daughter of Sin, x. 707. 

Dominion, absolute amongst men, unjustifiable, xiL 
64. 

Dreams illusory, iv. 799, natural, v. 110, divine, xii. 
611. 

Eagle, a bird of prey, one effect of Adam*s fall, xi. 
185. 

Earth, its creation, iii. 715, vii. 231, its separation 
from the waters described, vii. 276, speculations on 
its motions, or that of the heavens, censured, viii 
70, a universal paradise at the coming of the Me» 
siah, xii. 463. 

Eden, see Paradise. 

24 



278 INDEX. 

Egypt, plagues of, xii. 173. 

Election asserted, iii. 183. 

Elements, their dependence upon each other, xi. 415. 

Enoch, his stoiy, translation, &.c. xi. 664, 700. 

Eve, see Adam and Eve. 

Eve particularly described, &c. iv. 712, v. 379, vui. 46, 

470, 482, 596, ix. 386, 431, 457, 489, 538, 603, 896. 

her formation from Adam, viii. 460, her behaviour 

on seeing him, viii. 500, discourses with Satan, ix. 

552, 732, her temptation of Adam, ix. 856, he; 

speeches and answers to Adam on being accused, 

X. 909, 937, 966, xi. 162, xii. 610. 
Evening described, iv. 598. 

Evil, blameless, if unapproved by thought, v. 117. 
Experience a guide to wisdom, ix. 807. 

Faith in Christ, what kind of, is eternal Ufe, xii. 420, 

censure of laws to enforce it, xii. 515. 
Fancy, its office, v. 100, a faculty of the soul, viii. 460. 
Fame, censure of the common idea of it, xi. 688. 
Fate, the will of the Almighty, vii. 170. 
Fig-tree, that from which aprons were made, do 

scribed, ix. 1101. 
Firmament described, vii. 261. * 

Fish, their creation described, vii. 391. 
Flaming sword, description of, xii. 632. 
Flood, or deluge, see Noah. 

Freedom, effects of its loss, upon virtue, &c. xi. 797 
Free-grace, defined, &c. iii. 173, 227. 
Free-will asserted, iii. 95, v. 235, 520, viii. 635, ix, 

350, X. 43, the image of God, viii. 440. 
Fruition, carnal, its passion censured, viii. 679. 

Gabriel, the chief of the guardian angels, his sta 
tion, &c. iv. 443, undertakes to detect Satan, i-s 
575, his speeches to the angels, iv. 866, to Satan 
iv. 877, his prowess, &c. in the battle, vi. 354. 

Glory, or fame, the general idea of it censured, xi. 688. 

God the Father, contemplating his works, &:c. iii. 56, 
his speech to God the Son on the designs of Satan, 
iii. 80, proposes the manner of i-edemption, iii. 203, 
and decrees his resurrection, iii. 303, attributes oi 
God the Father, iii. 372, his speech to the celestial 
hierarchy, v. 600, his speeches to the Son, the an- 
gels, &c. V. 719, vi. 29, vu. 139. x. 614, xi. 84, 99. 



INDEX. 279 

Qod tiie Son, at the right hand of the Fatlier, iii. G2, 
the second Adam, lii. 285, liis attributes, iii. 333, 
the Messiah, vi. 718, 881, his answers to Adam, the 
Father, &c. vi. 733, viii. 369, 398, 437, x. 68, his 
re-ascent and intercession for Adam, x. 224. 

God, what kind of adoration most acceptable to him, 
iv. 736, to be contemplated in the works of tlie 
creation, v. 508, his absolute decrees, omnipre- 
sence, &c xi. 311, 335, to obey and depend upoii 
him, the sum of knowledge, xu. 557. 

Gospel, how is it to be understood, xii. 51 1. 

Grace of God, its object, and why devils are excluded 
.from it, iii. 129, the spirit of it, &c. xii. 525. 

Gratitude, when exerted a discharge of its debts, iv, 
55. 

Gunpowder, gims, &e. their invention attributed to 
the devil, vi. 478, 484. 

lieaven and earth, their final renovation by fire, xi. 

893, xii. 547, subsequent happiness therein, xii. 

463, 549. 
[leaven, its joys described, iii. 344, its gate, iii. 501, 

V. 253, passage thence to the world, iii. 526, its 

creation, iii. 716, the study of it how necessary. 

viii. 66, speculations on its motions censured, viii. 

70, its situation with respect to the world and hell, 

X. 320. 
Hell, description of, i. GO, 228, ii. 587, 618, its ge.tes, 

ii. 645, its situation, ike. x. 322. 
Hierarchies of heaven, before the revolt, described, v. 

579. 
Holy Ghost, its diffusion, &c. at the creation, vii. J 95, 

promised and given to all believers, xii. 518. 
Hymns to light, iii. 1, to God the Father and Son^ 

lii. 372, on conjugal love, iv. 750, on the creation, 

vii. ISO, 252, 557, 602. 
Hypocrisy only visible to God, iii. 682. 
Hypocrites, their first example in Satan, ix. 121. 

Idolatry, its origin, i. 364, that of the postdeluvian 

world, xii. 115. 
Jealousy, the hell of lovers, v. 449. 
Innocence, its state described, iv. 312, 492, 736, v 

211, 303, 443, viii. 40, 510. 
Invocations of the author, i. 6, iii. 51, vii. \, xi. 20. 



280 INDEX. 

Israelites, relation of their bondage and release, xii 
163, their settlement, &c. in the wilderness, xii 
223, in Canaan, xii. 260, their captivity in Baby- 
lon, xii. 335, on their return, till the birth of tht 
Messiah, xii. from 345 to 359. 

[sis, a fallen angel, i. 478. 

Ithuriel, an angel of Paradise, iv. 788, detects Satan's 
attempt on Eve, iv. 810. 

Knowledge, the result of reason, v. 100, of future 
events, the desire of it censured, xi. 770, its sum 
tl)e love and fear of God, xii. 557. 

Leviathan described, i. 201. 

Liberty, consequences of its loss, xi. 797. 

Life, long, how attainable, xi. 530. 

Light, its creation described, vii. 243. 

Lightning, how produced, x. 1073. 

tiOve, conjugal, distinct from that of an amour, iv. 
763, defined, vii. 589, its food, ix. 239, its objfci, 
ix. 241. 

Emcifer, why a name of Satan, x. 425. 

Lust, its solace, ix. 1042. 

Mammon, a fallen angel, i. 678, his speech in Satan's 
council, ii. 229. 

Man, fallen, why the obiect of grace, iii. 130, his long 
resistance of it exclusive, iii. 198, created to sup- 
ply the loss of the fallen angels, iii. 667, ix. 143, 
his creation described, vii. 524, his superiority ovei 
woman decreed by God, x. 145, 195, indulgence ir* 
his appetites disfigures not God's image, ix. 515 
the true end of his creation, xi. 603, his absolute 
dominion over his brethren an usurpation, xii. 64. 

Matches, conjugal, censure of the modern, viii. 57. x 
888. 

Michael, the archangel, his appointment in the celes 
tial army, vi. 44, his prowess, combats, speeches, 
answers, &c. See various parts of the bonlcs, from 
vi to xii. inclusive. 

Mind, its force, i. 254, its food, ix. 237. 

Moloch, a fallen angel, i. 382, his speech, ii. 51, de- 
fies Gabriel, vi. 357. 

Moon, on its supposed inhabitants, iii. 459, its office, 
iii. 726, rising, iv. 606, its creation, &.c. vii. 356, 
375. 379. 



INDEX. 281 

Morning in heaven, description of, vi. 12, the natu- 
ral, ix. 192, X. 120, xL 133. 
Moses, see ^aron. 
Mulciber, a fallen angel, i. 740. 

Night in heaven described, v. 642, and day, vi. 4, the 
natural night, iv. 604, 776, v. 38, ix. 48, x. 846. 

Nimrod, tlie first monarch, his tyranny, &.c. xii. 24. 

Nisroch, a fallen angel, vi. 446. 

Noah, his censure of the antediluvian world, xi. 719, 
803, builds the ark, xi. 738. 

Noon described, v. 300. 

Obedience, conjugal, the happiness of woman, iv. 635, 

of will only acceptable to God, v. 529. 
Old age described, xi. 535. 
Omens of Adam's expulsion, xi. 182. 
Opinion, see Knowledge. 
Orus and Osiris, fallen angels, i. 478. 

Pandemonium described, i. 710. 

Paradise, description of, iv. 131, 214, v. 291, \ii. 637, 

viii. 304, ix. 439, the seat of it destroyed by the 

flood, xi. 829. 
Patriarchal government, from the deluge to the time 

of Nimrod, xii. 13. 
Patriarchs, their story, xii. 113. 
Peace, its corruptions equal to the ravages of war, 

xi. 783. 
Peoror Chemos, a fallen an^el, i. 412. 
Persecution, spiritual, its origin, xi. from 50S to 533 

its effects, xii. 533. 
Plagues of Egypt, xii. 137. 

Planets, their aspects, k.c. an effect of the fall, x. 6r:6o 
Pleasure, carnal, censured, xi. 603. 
Prayer, efficacy of its spirit, xi. 5, 14, 146. 
Predestination, what, iii. 11 > 
Priests cause the first dissension amongst the Jev/3, 

xii. 353. 

Rainbow, its first appearance and sign, xi. 865, Si%^. 
Raphael, the archangel, described, v. 276, his prowess, 

speeches, &.c. see various parts of books v. vi. vii. 

and viii. 
Reason, the chief faculty of the soul, v. 100- 



282 INDEX. 

Redemption of man, proposed by the Father and 

undertaken by the Son, iii. 227. 
Repentance, its efficacy, xi 22. 
Reprobation, state of it, iii. 198. 
R-immon, a fallen angel, i. 476. 

Sabbath, its institution and solemnity, vii. 581, 594. 

Salvation, its extent, xii. 449. 

Satan, his fall from heaven, i. 34, his stature, looks, 
&c. i. 193, 284, 292, his speeches, i. 84, 242, 315, iL 
11, iii. 681, 968, iv. 258, v. 673, 772, vi. 418, 60S, 
ix. 532, X. 459. 

Saturn, a fallen angel, i. 512. 

Scriptures, how to be understood, xii. 511. 

Serpent described, ix. 182. 

Similies. (These are so numerous as to fbmi an in- 
dex of themselves, and are therefore incompatible 
■with our limits.) 

Sin described, ii. 650, her birth, ii. 752, speeches, x. 
235, 354, 591. 

Sin, original, the first effect of it, ix. 1011. 

Slavery, its origin, xii. 86. 

Soul, its faculties, v. 100, its immortality discussed, 
X. 782. 

Spirits, their invisible existence on earth, iv. 677, their 
existence in life, intellect, &c. vi. 344. 

Spring would have been pcrpeiual within the tropics 
but for Adam's fall, x. 678. 

Stars, their places, appearance, &c. iii. 265, their in- 
fluence, iv. 661. 

Storms, an effect of the fall, xi. 695. 

Sun, its appearance, power, &.c. iii. 571, its ann'ia} 
course, &c. an effect of the fall, x. 651. 

Teachers, false, of religion, aescribed, xii. 508, 
Temperance, its effect, xi. 530. 
Thammuz or Adonis, a fallen angel, i. 446, 
Thunder, an effect of the fall, x. 666. 
Time defined, respecting eternity, v. 580. 
Titan, a fallen angel, i. 510. 
Tradition censured, xii. 511. 
Tree of life described, iv. 218, ix. 69. 
Tree of knowledge, iv. 220. ix. 575. 
X'ruth, sufferino;for it, &c. xii. 569. 
Awilight described, iv. 398. 



INDEX. 2g3 

l^ranny, its origin, xii. 86. 

Tyrants, their plea for conquest compared with Sa 
tan's first attempt on man, iv. 390. 

Vacuity, the idea of, refuted by Godjs omnipresence, 

vii. 168. 
Valour, the common notion of it reprehended, xi. 688. 
Virtue deg^enerates in slavery, xi. 797. 

Uriel, his adventures, iii. 622, 694, 724, vi. 363. 
[Jzziel, guardian of Paradise, iv. 782. 

War, its common origin, xi. 638, 783. 

Waters, their separation from the earth, vii. 232. 

Wife, her duty on trying occasions, ix. 267, 290. 

Wind, tempestuous, an offect of the fall, x. 664. 

Wisdom, the sum of it, xii. 575. 

Wolves, or false teachers, defined, xii. 505. 

Woman, her loveliest qualities, ix. 232, advantage oi 

her social over her artificial accomplishments, xi. 

614, in every respect the cause of man's misery 

xi. 632. 
Works, with faith in Chiist, eternal life, xii. 420. 
World, by whom possessed, iii. 444, 463, described, 

viii. 218, its situation respecting heaven and hell 

X. 320. 

Zcphon, a guardian of Paradise, iv. 788, 823, 834. 
Zophiel, a cherub, vi, 535, 537. 



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